Berkshire plans could advance despite calls for refusal

A major mixed-use scheme in West Berkshire could soon take an important step forward despite calls for the application to be turned away. If backed, the scheme could create more than 50 jobs.U and I is behind the application, which concerns a site near Pincents Lane in Tilehurst.Proposed is building up to 165 homes and a 4,843 sq ft building which would comprise community healthcare services with residential units above.A 21.6-acre plot of land is also set to become community parkland.The original application proposed 265 properties. However, this was reduced as a result of the “perceived concern expressed relating to the impact on queueing on Pincents Lane”.A planning statement submitted as part of the application notes that a “cautious estimate” has been made that a net gain of 55 permanent jobs is anticipated as a result of the development – 46 in construction and nine at the healthcare hub.At its meeting on 19 January 2022, West Berkshire Council’s Eastern Area Planning Committee recommended that the plans be refused for a number of reasons.These included the homes being lined up for land ‘not identified as suitable for residential development’, the proposed access along Pincents Lane not being suitable to serve the proposed scheme, and the plans ‘failing to provide an appropriate planning obligation to mitigate the impact of the development’ with regard to the likes of affordable housing, housing for older people, custom and self-build housing, community building and emergency vehicle access, among others.The development control manager has referenced up the application to District Planning Committee.