Presentation to Parish Council 22 September 2011

Team Members Harvey Lay – Henry Davidson Developments Limited Rob Duff – Pegasus Planning Group Peter Finlayson – PFA Consulting

Background – Who is Involved? Henry Davidson Development Limited – leading developer of local/district centres. The TA Saunders Trust have promoted the land since 2009 through the Core Strategy process. No planning applications have been submitted to West Berkshire Council. The Local Centre is not a precursor for housing development – it is a stand alone development.

Why is a Local Centre Proposed? Burghfield Parish Plan, September 2003

Why is a Local Centre Proposed? Background Paper: A Rural Settlement Hierarchy for West Berkshire, West Berkshire Planning Strategy, May 2008 Used to provide evidence for Core Strategy Shows Burghfield Common as the third most sustainable settlement in the district, but without a supermarket or bank. Burghfield Common has the highest population of any rural settlement.

Why is Local Centre Proposed West Berkshire Core Strategy Settlement Hierarchy Topic Paper April 2009 Defines Burghfield Common as a “Rural Service Centre”. Places Burghfield Common below Hungerford and Theale in terms of sustainability due only to it having no supermarket or bank. States that: “A problem with Burghfield Common is its lack of a supermarket, bank and defined town or village centre, this is despite it having a population larger than Hungerford.” States that: “An issue for Burghfield Common is its lack of a significant village centre despite its relatively high population. In the past there has been a large amount of housing development, yet this has not been matched by the provision of facilities; there is no supermarket or bank.”

Extracts from Topic Paper Settlement Hierarchy

Proposed Submission Core Strategy February 2010 Spatial Policy SP 6 – East Kennet Valley Proposes exploration of a District Centre for Burghfield Common This policy remains unchanged, as Policy AP 6 in the most recent Core Strategy, 2011 West Berkshire has identified a need for a centre and has proposed policies for it.

Why Firlands? Acknowledge that although adjacent to Burghfield Common, the site is in Sulhamstead Parish. Will serve Burghfield Common as well as surrounding parishes of Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet – over 6,000 people in all parishes Site is adjacent to existing community facilities at Willink School and Leisure Centre. Potential for linked trips, enhancing sustainability, reducing mileage to surrounding shopping centres and retaining spending within the area.

The Consultation Master Plan

Feedback from Public Consultation Public consultation held on 2 nd and 3 rd September Approx 357 attendees 148 Comments Forms left 315 post-it note comments left on display boards 22 comments to the website Mixed response to plans and some suggestions on how to improve/what to include

Consultation Issues Most common issues raised by consultation include: – Worries about Burghfield Common becoming a town – Concern regarding potential new housing – Concern regarding traffic flows on Hollybush Lane/traffic safety with Willink School – Facilities proposed not needed – Queries regarding viability of the proposed facilities – Would like to see more youth facilities included in the plans – Suggestions for the supermarket operator – Suggestions for community facilities required in the village – Care home is welcomed – Issues regarding environment/trees

Housing This proposal is only for a Local Centre – not up to 300 homes Potential for a few flats above the proposed shops Housing is proposed in Burghfield Common by the West Berkshire Core Strategy A number of sites in Burghfield Common are being promoted, including Firlands Willing to speak separately about housing at a later date

Transport We are aware of the concerns of residents regarding the capacity of Hollybush Lane and safety issues regarding the Willink School. We would like comments on how this could be improved. We are surveying the road and will be looking to improve safety as part of the development. Will also look to reduce travel movements as less out-commuting from Burghfield Common

Questions What facilities do you need? What would you want to see? Any suggestions for retailers? Can we upgrade existing youth facilities? Can we upgrade or provide a community building? How can we involve the community more in drawing up the plans?

Next Steps Analysing consultation responses and preparing new Master Plan in response Potential to form focus group with residents to discuss proposals further Pre-application will take place with West Berks Council Re-visit Parish Councils prior to submission Submission by end of year