"Kennet Valley developers listen to local concerns" - Farrin & Longton

12.03.00am GMT Thu 9th Nov 2006

Plans for the Kennet Valley 'mini-town' have temporarily been withdrawn

Councillors John Farrin and Royce Longton, who both represent Burghfield ward on West Berkshire Council, have cautiously welcomed the news that an application to build 7,500 new homes in Kennet Valley has been temporarily withdrawn. Councillors Farrin and Longton have both been vigorously opposed to the application.

The plans for the proposed mini-town were submitted by the Prudential to West Berkshire, Wokingham and Reading Councils on 31st July, but withdrawn on October 31st.

Councillor John Farrin commented:

"The Prudential claim they need more time to consider views of residents and other objections. However, I am only welcoming this news cautiously as it seems that an amended application is likely to be submitted in the New Year. We remain strongly opposed to the development as it will have a significant and negative impact on the quality of life for those living in Pingewood, Burghfield Bridge, Sheffield Bottom and a number of other directly affected areas."

Councillor Royce Longton, who is also the Shadow Environment spokesman on West Berkshire Council, outlined the reasons behind their continuing opposition to the application:

"If allowed the development would be largely built on a flood plain in times when the risk of flooding is greatly increasing due to global warming. Not only this, but 7,500 new homes would hugely increase traffic flows on the Burghfield to Reading road, including many hundreds of HGVs during the 25-year construction period. On top of all this, the construction would destroy Wildlife Heritage sites, and other features with conservation value, including the UK's fifth largest population of nightingales."