West Berkshire Council considers Sovereign Housing Association proposal to build 24 new houses at Mortimer Common

West Berkshire Council is considering a major application from Sovereign Housing association.

The housing association has applied to demolish Windmill Court, in Windmill Road, Mortimer Common, and to construct 24 new dwellings with car parking, landscaping and other associated works.

The site is currently occupied by a single building, Windmill Court, comprising 35 age-restricted flats.

Thames Water agrees with the proposal but recommended that the applicant fit petrol/oil interceptors in all car parking/washing/repair facilities, to prevent oil-polluted discharges entering local watercourses.

It added the applicant, or a responsible environmental body, would have to regulate any activities during the redevelopment which could impact groundwater resources.

The Berkshire newt officer raised concerns for the impact to great crested newts in light of the ponds within 500 metres of the site.

They recommended that further assessment of potential impacts to great crested newts will be required to determine if further protective measures are need.

The council is due to decide the application by November 13.