Sunday 30 August 2009

Campaigners Can Win (The Parks, Bracknell)



Protest group SCRAM (Staff College Residents Against Madness) have claimed victory after Secretary of State agrees with the inspector's recommendation that the appeal by Taylor Wimpey be dismissed.

The inspector was called in after the council who gave approval for the initial 750 homes rejected an additional proposal of 390 homes which could have included 6 storey flats (the original agreement was for 3 storey flats). This rejection resulted in an appeal by builder George Wimpey which lend to an enquiry headed by government inspector Edward Simpson.

The additional request would have greatly reduced the parks open park space as advertised in there own leaflets. (The Parks had used very green imagery for their adverts which would have been very misleading if this had gone ahead). It also removed the sports field.

It is pleasing to see that people power and clever and detailed campaigning by local residents can produce a sensible result. It is extremely important that when building projects are planned they provide affordable (that’s real affordable housing) and green space especially in light of Britain’s disappearing school fields and general playing areas.

It should be noted that the first phase of the development is nearing completion as 104 of 220 are now complete and occupied on 28th July 09.

The Staff College, Residents Against Madness (SCRAM) contact link http://www.bycar.com/scram/

http://www.englishpartnerships.co.uk/theparks.htm

Ray Earwicker Lib Dem PPC for Bracknell constituency had examined the Parks proposals with his concerns for affordable housing last year here .


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1 comment:

  1. I am pleased for the residents, but as usual no mention has been given to the hardworking council staff who defended the case at the inquiry, or in fact those who had drawn up the sound policies which supported the case in the first place.

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