Saving precious green space in Kirton Close, Norcot

Norcot Labour have launched a petition to save precious green space in the Watermead Estate.  Current plans would see the space covered with 18 properties causing local to lose this little green lung.

Councillor Debs Absolom said "It is a build that is proposing 18 properties on the estates green space where local people walk their dogs, children walk to school, play & learn to ride their bikes, a route for all whether off to the bus stop or get some fresh air.

When this estate was built this green area was for residents and wildlife...it must stay that way."

Cllr Absolom with Cllr Jo Lovelock, Anrysh Kaur, Ellie Emberson and residents

 You can see the planning application here: http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/detail.asp?AltRef=171219

You can also comment or object on the proposed development adding your voice to those already concerned about these proposals.

This map shows the area of green space that will be lost if these plans go ahead.



Norcot Labour are out with a petition Saturday 18th Nov at 10.30am meeting at Windrush Way junction on Water Road. Please join them and help save this precious space.

Battle Residents Dealt A Crushing Blow - Gaming Centre Allowed

Battle residents have been dealt a crushing blow as the Government Inspector has allowed the gaming centre on the Oxford Road to be built despite huge community resistance. To say I am disappointed would be an understatement.

Reading Borough Council planning committee refused the planning application after hearing from residents, local community groups and all Battle councillors. We all had very real concerns about the effect of the gaming centre on vulnerable adults and the potential for anti-social behaviour.

So much for this Governments insistence that locals would have more control over their communities. This, along with the decision to allow planning permission for a Tesco opposite Oxford Road Community School, shows it's all just lip-service and empty words.

And where was the support from our MP when this application went to appeal?

The Government Inspector has ignored a communities concerns.

This was the article in The Reading Chronicle from when the planning application was refused:
http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/reading/articles/2012/06/06/60083-adult-gaming-centre-blocked/

Here is the appeal decision: http://www.pcs.planningportal.gov.uk/pcsportal/ViewCase.asp?caseid=2182699&coid=2099755

What's happening above the old Co-op? UPDATED

UPDATE 15 AUGUST 2012: This planning application is no longer going to Augusts planning committee as it's not considered ready yet. 

As Councillors we are notified of the planning applications received in our ward.  One of the recent ones received is for flats above the old Co-op, now a Costcutter.  We have heard that residents are concerned about this development so we have asked it be considered by planning committee and have sent the following to local residents:

'Dear Resident

Over the last twelve months or so a number of local people have expressed an interest in what might be happening to the first floor of the old Co-op building. I thought you might like to know that this week we learnt that an application for planning permission to redevelop the first floor of the building has been received by Reading Borough Council and is currently out for public consultation.

Members of the public who live in the locality are invited to comment on the application. This can be done by writing to: Louisa Johnson, Civic Centre, Reading Borough Council, Reading RG1 7AE or by email: louisa.johnson@reading.gov.uk or you can contact me at: sarah.hacker@reading.gov.uk and I will pass on your comments. Your comments must be received by no later than Monday 13 August 2012.

The application is for three x 2-bed flats and six x 1-bed flats with external roof terraces. You can view the plans and associated documents on the councils website: www.reading.gov.uk.  Click the front page link: view planning application and then click the link: Enter PublicAccess for Planning.  In the search box type in application reference: 12/00749/FUL, this will take you to the application summary.  Click the documents tab the click: View Associated Documents.  This will open a list of documents that you will be able to view in Acrobat Reader.  To open a document click on any of the blue dates to the left.'

We have extracted the plans for you so if you only want to look at the plans without having to navigate the council’s website click here.

Please let me, Cllr Maskell or Cllr Khan know of you have any comments or concerns and we will pass them on.

Tesco Express Oxford Road plans rejected!!!!

Just heard the great news that the Tesco application at Parsons Garage on the Oxford Road has been rejected.  Residents and local businesses were very concerned about the impact this store would have on their lives and livelihoods.