MORE PLANNING MATTERS

Proposed Farm on Lodge Road/Tape Lane

No sooner was the ink dry on the Inspector's report dismissing the appeal against WDC's refusal of the organic farm last year than the landowners themselves, Luff Farms, submitted new plans for a Farm Shop on land between Lodge Road and Tape Lane. HVS indicated their objections to this proposal and provided village residents with information.

However, at the beginning of February the District Council planners announced that the submission was invalid because elevations of the proposed poly-tunnels were not submitted. The council has also requested further information regarding the use of the agricultural building, the nature of the goods to be sold in the farm shop and number of employees. No further action will be taken until this information is received.

Through repeated applications over several years Luff Farms has indicated that it will try to develop this land. HVS will continue to oppose the proposal because it contravenes the Loddon Area Local Plan (Setting of Settlement) which requires that open spaces such as that between Whistley Green and Wards Cross should remain so, and the policy on farm shops. The emerging Wokingham District Local Plan lays out new policies on farm shops which include no adverse impact on existing village shops, no intensification of activity on the site, and no new buildings.

The Parish Council is also opposing the plans, and District Councillor Annette Drake will speak against them on the grounds of possible damage to our village shops.

The pillar-box red fence in School Road

Thirlstone Homes has surrounded the Dorndon House site in a bright red two-metre high security fence. This has further angered local residents who asked District Councillor Annette Drake to take the matter up to get the colour changed. Apparently the Council is unable to request the developers to change the colour so the only course of action is to write to Thirlstone Homes and request that the fence be repainted - dark green might be appropriate. Address your letters to:

Managing Director Thirlstone Homes Western Limited Thirlstone House 16 Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1BJ

Or send email to: sales@thirlstonehomes.co.uk