Concerns Raised Over 50 New Homes Proposal

West Berkshire Council has been asked to comment on a neighbouring authority's planning application for 50 homes on land east of Ecchinswell Road in Bishops Green.

The site is just south of Greenham Business Park. Bishops Green is about 6km south and south‑east of Thatcham and Newbury and lies on the border between Hampshire and Berkshire, in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council area.

Although the land is in another district, the application says the benefits of West Berkshire facilities are a main draw.

"Greenham Business Park with commercial, retail and pre-school facilities provides various local employment and business opportunities within close proximity to the Site, accessible by bus within seven minutes or a six-minute cycle ride," says developer Catesby Estates.

"Community facilities within the business park include The Base, which features an Honesty café and gallery hosting regular workshops, exhibitions and community events.

"A gym and veterinary practice are also situated within the business park."

Greenham parish councillors have raised concerns about the developer's approach to planning, avoiding West Berkshire and the accompanying Community Infrastructure Levy responsibilities.

"There are concerns regarding additional pressures on the utilities," they say. "New home owners will increase the traffic on the highways and across the common and so sharing of CIL is important to maintain infrastructure."

Historically, the American airforce built two housing estates during the Second World War to house crews at RAF Greenham Common. In the 1950s the council built 95 new homes, replacing Nissen huts and rehoming local families, while the US Air Force built more housing, doubling the estate. RAF Greenham Common closed in 1992 and the USAF transferred the housing to the Sovereign Housing Association.

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter