Site: HI05

Land adjoining Crowshott Lodge

THIS SITE IS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHANGE OF USE TO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

Accessibility and Transport factors:

1. Public transport is very poor, and any family dwelling would need parking for 2 or 3 vehicles.

2. There are no local shops or post office within Highclere

3. There is a distinct lack of community facilities.

4. Westridge is a minor rural road not suitable for regular two-way traffic

Environmental factors

1. Highclere has a high water table. .

Landscape factors

1. The area is within the North Wessex Downs AONB

2. No significant change has occurred since the last local plan review.

3. This site provides a valuable open space with "borrowed" landscape. This landscape is an important feature of the lane and the public footpath across the adjoining land.

4. Any development would change the rural nature and character of this area. and remove a key strategic gap. Potentially it would increase urbanization of a rural area out into open countryside.

Built Environment and Heritage Features

1. Highclere is the gateway to the North Wessex Downs and the County's first Parish, when heading South from West Berkshire along the A343. It is an historic Parish and Highclere Castle attracts visitors from around the world. It is therefore important to also maintain the original vista and retain as many open spaces and "borrowed" landscapes as possible.

Socio-economic Factors

1. Local inhabitants recognise the importance of the tranquility of the lanes in forming footways to the official footpaths in the area. The use of these peaceful lanes are not only enjoyed by local residents walking dogs, horse riding and cycling etc but also form part of the network of footpath linkages with other parishes. Much of the sense of community derives from meeting along the lanes and footpaths

2. Only a few people are employed locally and apart from home workers most people commute to Newbury or London. More houses mean more commuters and more cars, deterioration of the country lanes, and loss of hedges and rural vistas.

3. Local schools are already at saturation point in neighbouring Woolton Hill and Burghclere. Local GP surgeries, in neighbouring villages, are under equal pressure

Infrastructure costs and viability factors

1. Not Known.