HUGELY unpopular plans to build 249 homes in Shinfield could still go ahead – despite planning bosses throwing them out already.
Developers Bellway Homes has submitted an appeal to Bristol-based planning inspectors asking them to judge their proposal for the homes on land south of Cutbush Lane.
Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC) planning committee refused a revised plan for the homes in June for a number of reasons.
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These included a lack of social rent housing with the proposal, some three-storey units not being in character with the area, the site encroaching into the countryside and a proposed play area having a lack of screening.
Speaking in June, Shinfield South councillor Charlotte Haitham Taylor said she was “absolutely delighted with the decision” and “really pleased for the residents of Shinfield” after more than a hundred neighbours objected to the proposal.
But residents could soon have another fight on their hands after Bellway Homes’ appeal.
The developers claim the new homes will provide “significant and tangible benefits” to the area and will not harm the countryside or be out of character with the rest of the area.
Shinfield South councillor Jim Frewin accused Bellway Homes of “arrogance” and said he feared the worst for the outcome.
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He told the News: “I think that the process is totally biased towards developers anyway.
“The manner in which they have approached this they were always going to come back with an appeal.
“They won’t take no for an answer.
“In simple terms they have said you’re (WBC) wrong.
A public inquiry is set to be held after developers pointed out the “substantial local interested” by the plans.
This means neighbours would be free to attend a public event over one or more days to let the Planning Inspectorate know their concerns about the proposal.
Interested parties can make statements until Thursday, November 21, to make their representations.
Had the plans been approved in June, almost 100 of the houses would have been three-bedroom houses, 49 would have been four-bedroom houses, 67 would have been two-bedroom houses and 41 would have been one and two-bedroom apartments.
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Of the 249 homes, 87 were expected to be made affordable.
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