Green light for major Compton scheme

Hybrid plans for a major mixed-use development at the former Fulright Institute site in Compton, Berkshire, have been backed.The application is made up of two elements, with the outline proposing a development of up to 160 homes, as well as landscaping, construction of access and street lighting, car and cycle parking, and other associated infrastructure.The most prominent element of this part of the plans is at least 188,100 sq ft of employment land, including the retention of the Intervet building and a playing field.Full approval is being sought for the demolition of existing buildings on the site, alongside a change of use of land including the creation of public open space and a wildlife area.Homes England is behind the plans having acquired the site.Following the amalgamation of the Pirbright Research Institute and its relocation to Surrey, the plot has been largely vacant and the application is therefore looking to bring this “now under-used site back into use”.A decision on the application was deferred by the Western Area Planning Committee (WAPC) on 12 January 2022 until after a referendum on the Compton Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), which queried whether locals wanted West Berkshire District Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Compton to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area.The yes vote won out by 588 to nine nos.The plans have now gone before West Berkshire Council’s planning committee, with the recommendation for approval having been carried.