Objections lodged to convent scheme

About 15 Cold Ash residents have objected to the plans for reasons including traffic and safety

SEVERAL Cold Ash residents have formally objected to plans to demolish St Gabriel's Convent and its surrounding buildings and replace it with new housing.

So far 15 residents have written to West Berkshire Council to register their objections against revised plans by London-based, Gould and Company, on behalf of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, to demolish the convent, chapel and conference centre and erect seven detached houses and nine apartments, despite the downsized application.

Residents have voiced their concerns about several issues with the proposed development, citing the loss of an historical site in the village, an increase in vehicles causing safety issues for neighbouring school-children and the style of the building as grounds for their objections.

Robert Hogwood, of The Ridge, said that he had not seen improvements in the size of the proposals since he raised objections to the original application in 2009, which were for erection of eight detached houses and nine apartments; these plans were withdrawn last year.

Mr Hogwood said of the latest application: “The style (of housing) is utterly foreign to Cold Ash which has a pleasant village atmosphere; these buildings look more Swiss than British, and should have no place in a village context.”

John Rance, of The Ridge, objected on the grounds that the flats would not be in keeping with the surrounding area, that the traffic increase would be significant and dangerous, and that lack of parking at the site would result in increased on-street parking.

He said: “Despite the introduction of 30mph warning lights and yellow hatched areas by the school, this part of The Ridge remains a hazard and introducing more traffic movements will make this worse.”

Several other residents were concerned that the historical element of the convent would be lost with the demolition of the entire site.

Marguerite Shave, who also lives in The Ridge, said: “I would like to suggest that some part of the convent and/or chapel be retained so that it is not totally erased.

“I have always enjoyed hearing the bell ringing at noon and 5pm and wondered whether this could be kept and perhaps automated as a permanent reminder of the convent and its chapel?”

Cold Ash Parish Council also objected to the plans for reasons including that the design was too modern and that the principle of an apartment block in the area would set an unwelcome precedent which would urbanise the area.

Thames Water and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service raised no objections to the development, however, West Berkshire's environmental health department said that certain noise conditions needed to be met during construction, if approved.

As of Monday, the council had not received any formal letters of support for the application.

West Berkshire Council aims to make its final decision on the plans by February 14.