Council considers planning proposal for nine new homes at Benhams Farm, Burghfield Common

West Berkshire Council is considering a new phased housing development on land currently used for agriculture.

The proposal, submitted by Charlesgate Homes Limited, seeks to establish nine custom-build houses at Benhams Farm, Hollybush Lane, Burghfield Common.

The proposal also includes associated triple garages and relocating an existing double garage to 7 Oakley Drive to enable a new access road.

The proposal would raise the existing number of car parking spaces to 40, plus an additional 20 spaces for cycles.

But while outside the Urgent Protective Action Zone (UPAZ), West Berkshire Council noted the proposed development site is within the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ) of AWE Burghfield — seen as a potential barrier to development.

As featured in the Emergency Planning Implications document prepared by independent emergency planning consultancy, Katmal Limited, the council previously stated that: “The site falls within the DEPZ of AWE Burghfield. Proposals for residential development are likely to add pressure to ‘blue light services’ and the emergency off-site plan.”

It continued: “A revised emergency off-site plan is expected on January 4 and this will consider whether there may be potential for some residential development.”

But the consultant drew attention to the West Berkshire Local Plan Review 2022-2039 which states: “The DEPZ required under legislation for Aldermaston and Burghfield is reviewed every three years and is a major factor in the assessment of sites in this location.”

They further refuted the council’s stance, saying the risk of an accident at AWE Burghfield with off-site consequences is “extremely low” and would not pose a great risk to people living in the proposed development.

Nor would it threaten access to and from the site by emergency vehicles, claims the consultant.

The council is due to determine its decision by Wednesday, December 13.