Planning Inspectorate rejects plan to build 200 homes on Hurst field

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By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

A SCHEME to build 200 homes on a green field has been turned down after a planning inquiry.

Elated early morning messages whizzed round Hurst village when the inquiry inspector’s decision was released on Thursday.

Four hundred residents had objected to the homes on land between Lodge Road and Tape Lane.

The Planning Inspectorate says anyone wanting to alter the decision should “consider obtaining legal advice as only the High Court can quash the decision”. It’s understood this is a rare move.

Villagers meeting this afternoon at the Tape Lane allotments, overlooking the field with its grazing ponies, were delighted with the success.

Parish council chairman Wayne Smith said: “It’s absolutely fantastic news for the village.

“We’re very pleased.

“Residents came together to raise funds so the parish council could apply for rule 6 status and have a barrister to support us. In my opinion, residents’ support like that gave us a big advantage.

“The decision was very good for the village. It took into account most of the points we made, including about sustainability, our lack of bus services for instance.

“There are no connections here unless you have a motor car.”

He thanked villagers including Protect Hurst Action Group and the Say No team for all their support.

A resident said work by Hurst Neighbourhood Plan working group had also contributed greatly.

“The result confirms Hurst is not sustainable for inappropriate development outside the settlement limit,” they added.

Cllr Smith added: “We fight on.” Wokingham Borough Council’s consultation to find out what people think about building 24 homes on the old Hurst Show site in School Road finished on Thursday. There had been more than 150 comments, with only 24 of those in support of that scheme, a resident said.

Hurst is also waiting to hear whether Wokingham Borough Council will give planning permission for 33 homes on a Broadcommon Road field.

The 200 homes plan appeal inspector David Wildsmith was concerned about the arrangements to make up for the loss of 46% of the field’s habitat.

Improving a field in Arborfield was proposed to make up for the Hurst wildlife’s loss. He wrote about “some uncertainty” about the deliverability and security of the biodiversity net gain.

He said the new homes scheme “could not be said to protect and enhance the natural environment.”

It would also “fail to conserve the low-density pattern of settlement centred around Hurst and Whistley Green.” n The Inspector’s full findings can be found at: Documents for reference 220458: Public Access (wokingham.gov.uk) under “PINS – appeal decision”. The planning application was number 220458 n For more, search: Arborfield Events on www.facebook.com

The company appealing for permission to build at Tape Lane/Lodge Road, Mactaggart and Mickel, has been asked for a comment on the appeal decision.

A COMMUNITY GROUP will help children get into the Easter spirit at an event on Saturday, April 1. Arborfield Green Events Committee’s Easter egg hunt and fun day will see families come together for some games, activities and crafts.

An Easter bonnet competition will also be held, with the best-decorated garment being awarded a prize. The egg hunt costs £2.50 per participating child.

The event takes place from 10am-4pm at the Arborfield Community Centre, Sheerlands Road.

Arborfield Easter fun day Singing as they go

A music group will present their spring concert. Called, And Wherever You Go, the concert will include songs on the theme of travelling.

It will be performed by the women and girls of Charvil based choir, The Project Singers.

The event takes place at St Mary’s Church, Twyford, on Saturday, March 25.

Doors open at 7.30pm with tickets available at £8. n For tickets and information, call: 0118 934 0589 or email: suzanneynewman@btinternet. com

Well-loved teacher Graham Dyer remembered

A POPULAR former staff member at two schools in Wokingham, has died in Salisbury at the age of 81.

Graham Dyer was made head of geography at The Forest School in 1972. This came after two-and-a-half years teaching in Tanzania, an experience that had a profound effect on him.

After a few years at Tomlinscote School in Surrey, Graham returned to Wokingham as deputy headteacher of The Emmbrook School. His period there included several months as acting head while then headteacher Ted Burton was in hospital.

But Mr Dyer didn’t aspire to a permanent headship, preferring to teach in the classroom.

The present headteacher of The Emmbrook School, Nick McSweeney said: “Mr Dyer is admired for his dedication and service to the school. He is remembered as a teacher with clear standards that were maintained well.

“His legacy lives on through our work.”

Sandra Hodgson, now head of year seven, remembers how he was very caring.

She said: “He really looked after new staff.

“I am forever grateful for his time.” n Donations for the Alzheimer’s Society, in Graham’s memory, can be sent via Chris White Funerals, via: chriswhitefunerals.co.uk n People can also donate to Farm Africa, a rural development charity that operates in eastern Africa, including Tanzania, at: www.farmafrica.org

Jill Griffin knew him well as a colleague and said: “Graham was enormously respected and very fair. He had a strong social sense and never wanted success for himself, but the whole school”.