West Berkshire Council has refused a planning application from David Wilson Homes, which sought to remove existing planning obligations requiring a primary school site and financial contributions towards a new primary school for the Donnington Heights development.
The application related to the North Newbury housing development, originally approved with provision for a one-form entry primary school site as part of a wider package of infrastructure intended to support the growing community. The application proposed removing all obligations relating to the primary school site and primary school contribution.
West Berkshire Council has concluded that the obligations remain an important part of the development's long-term planning framework and continue to serve a useful planning purpose.
Councillor Heather Coddling, Executive Member for Children and Family Services, said:ย
The Council welcomes new development that delivers homes for local people, but it is equally important that growth is accompanied by the infrastructure and services communities need to thrive.
From schools and transport links to open spaces and community facilities, developers must play their part in supporting sustainable communities. The obligations attached to the North Newbury development were agreed as part of the original planning permission and were intended to help meet the needs of both current and future residents.
By refusing this application, the Council is sending a clear message that we remain committed to ensuring that new development within West Berkshire is supported by the necessary infrastructure and that commitments made through the planning process are honoured.
The Council recognises that demands on local services can change over time. However, planning decisions must consider the long-term needs of communities over the lifetime of a development. The North Newbury scheme was approved as a substantial mixed-use development including housing, community facilities and land for a primary school, with supporting obligations forming part of the overall planning balance.
West Berkshire Council remains committed to working with developers, education partners and local communities to ensure that growth is supported by appropriate investment in infrastructure and public services across the district.
