Hungerford station retirement flats rejected

Plans for a big retirement home on land previously used for car parking at Hungerford station have been refused on multiple grounds.

West Berkshire Council planners said the four storey, 45 apartment building would obliterate views into the conservation area from the station.

They also said there was not enough outside space for the number of residents.

“The application fails to provide an appropriate level of affordable housing. The district has a high affordable housing need and an affordability ratio above the national average,” it said.

It also said the proposal fails to provide adequate assessment of the externally generated noise and vibrations to potential occupiers – the proposed building would sit next to the Railway pub and a few meters from the railway track.

And it added that the plans had not considered the need for emergency vehicles and bin lorries to access the site.

The application site was historically occupied by an office and warehouse and is situated adjacent to the former Goods Yard Station.

“Such land uses have the potential to cause contamination, and the proposed use for residential development is sensitive,” said them planners.

“The application has not been supported with any information to demonstrate awareness of potential contamination issues associated with the site and whether they have the financial means and ability to ensure the site is made suitable for use should contamination be present on site that presents a risk to human health or controlled waters.”

The plans were submitted by Churchill Retirement Living.