Press Release

Date: 15 August 08

RE: McCarthy and Stone retirement flats appeal dismissed

The planning inspectorate has dismissed the appeal by McCarthy and Stone, upholding the decision by BFBC to refuse permission for the construction of a large block of 50 retirement flats in place of the existing houses at 48-52 Dukes Ride, Crowthorne.

According to the planning inspectors report;

…”the replacement building would present a solid mass and an extensive roofscape that, even having regard to the recent flatted accommodation, would be of a scale quite uncharacteristic of development within Dukes Ride.”

“…I therefore consider that the proposed development would be a jarring element in the street scene.”

“I consider that the proposed development would have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area by reason of its scale, mass, design and layout.”

CVAG members have actively opposed this proposed development on the grounds that its design, scale and mass are totally out of keeping with the location, so it is gratifying to note that the inspector agrees.

Said CVAG spokesperson Andy Holley “The modernistic design proposed was more in keeping with a modern town centre location and totally inappropriate for a rural village. We are not against the concept of a retirement flats on that site but we would hope to see a proposal which is more sympathetic with the surroundings, both in scale and in design “

Mike & Diane McLoughlin, residents of Thornbury Close, whose home is adjacent to the site, are delighted that common sense has prevailed and hope that the developer will learn from the decision. They and the other residents neighbouring the site would also like to thank the some 750 local residents who objected to the proposal and demonstrated that there is a strong desire to keep the rural feel of Crowthorne."

Issued By: Andy Holley

CVAG press Officer

Tel: 01344 777282

For immediate comment please contact

Carole Doran: 01344 774367

John Baster: 01344 774007

http://www.cvag.org.uk/