Plans finally submitted for redevelopment of the Priory

Thatcham Town Council has submitted the plans to convert the grade II listed building in Church Lane.
If approved, the council wants to convert the building into its new offices with two suites of offices for let.
Alterations will include the provision of a disabled platform lift and extensions for a meeting/events room and accessible toilet.
The plans have been submitted by Reg Ellis and Associates: Architects on behalf of the town council.
The building was formerly owned by West Berkshire Council and used to house a pupil referral unit.
However, Thatcham Town Council bought the site for £400,000 in 2010 from West Berkshire Council, in order to save it for public use.
Architect, Reg Ellis, said that the building was sound but not in very good order and that a lot of repair and upgrading work would be required to make this the new town council offices.
He said: “The town council sees this as an opportunity to acquire a more central and prestigious base but at the same time rescue an historic building which is clearly at risk and provide a centre for the community.
“The main challenges are the insertion of a lift for disabled access and creating a room, large enough to seat the full council, but that can also be used for meetings and events.”
He added: “The proposals have been presented to and approved by relevant town council committees by the full town council.
“I understand that councillors have spoken to local residents.
“Generally, the change of use from occupancy by West Berkshire Council is not seen as an issue and the provision of a beneficial use for an important but listed building at the heart of the town is welcome.”
However, Conservative town and district councillor, Dominic Boeck (Thatcham South and Crookham), who has been vocally against the restoration project from the start said that his view point remained the same.
He said: “I think its going to be far too much money for a body such as Thatcham Town Council to undertake a project like that.
“These things are never straight forward – it’s going to be a complex project which will be quite challenging for any organisation.
“There’s also the potential for the costs to spiral out of control.”
A date for the final decision to be taken by West Berkshire Council has been set for March 19.