PLANNING MATTERS

The Dorndon House saga rumbles on. While this lovely house draped in wisteria is boarded up and subject to vandalism, the new owner Thirlstone Homes has submitted a new planning application for 10 flats.

The new plans (F/2000/2232) show that the top floor of the proposed building has been removed, taking with it two of the proposed 12 flats. The bin store has been moved from the front gate to an area close to the existing garage building, the proposed footway into Tape Lane has been shortened, and there are some alterations to the layout and elevations.

Residents were delighted when Wokingham District Council Development sub-committee threw out the initial application for 12 flats, and then resolved to fight Thirlstone Homes when the company said it would appeal against the councillors' decision. (See STOP PRESS below)

While the appeal remains outstanding, the developers have gone back to the drawing board and submitted new plans. They have taken into account some of the arguments against the proposed building by reducing the height, but the "mass" and "footprint" remain the same. This is unacceptable to local residents and the Village Society, who will speak against these plans.

If you would like to give your opinions, write to Mrs B Polnik at WDC before 6 December quoting reference F/2000/2232, and send a copy of your letter to Councillor Annette Drake.

Thirlstone Homes is determined to try and get the original plans for 12 flats through on appeal. A DETR Inspector has been appointed to hold a Local Inquiry into this application (F/2000/1846) at the WDC offices in Shute End on a date to be advised. If you would like to make further comments on these plans for 12 flats, please send letters to:

Miss A Groves, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 1004, Tollgate House, Houlton Street, Bristol BS2 9DJ

quoting reference APP/X0360/A/105355. Letters should arrive before 25 December!