Development at Lawrences Lane, Thatcham

Issued on 17.08.21

We are aware of the development that started over the weekend at Lawrences Lane in Thatcham.  Investigation of the matter began over the weekend and continues to be explored due to the development occurring without the benefit of a properly considered planning application.

An official site visit has taken place between a Council planning officer, traveller liaison officer, and Thames Valley Police to carry out a number of investigative actions such as what developments have taken place, who is in charge of the works, who is on site to determine if residential use has started, an initial assessment of the environmental impact (landscape, visual impact, residential amenity impact, access and highway safety), plus what the intentions are of the owners of the site in regards to seeking all appropriate permissions.

Earlier today (Tuesday 17 August) the Council took planning enforcement action and issued a temporary stop notice relating to the site. The intention of this notice is to prevent any further development occurring in breach of planning controls. will be taking planning enforcement action with the intention of preventing any further unauthorised development occurring.

A planning application was submitted for this site late on Friday 13 August to West Berkshire Council via the planning portal. We will follow the normal planning procedures to consider this application, which has yet to be validated and processed.     

The Police do not have responsibility for enforcing breaches of planning controls.  However, there will be an increase in police presence around the area.

Cllr Richard Somner, Executive Member for Planning, Transport and Countryside at West Berkshire Council, said:

"I want to reassure residents who have raised concerns about the site at Lawrences Lane that we have been and are continuing the investigation of this matter as a priority and we will take appropriate enforcement action to address breaches of planning control identified at the site. West Berkshire Council is a policy driven authority and the application of our policies have clearly been disregarded on this occasion.

"Alongside the planning element, we also need to ensure that as a Council we are fulfilling our responsibility in all respects and this includes housing and social welfare of those who are on the site.

"I can appreciate it has been an unsettling time for those who are close by to Lawrences Lane. We are working with all partner organisations to ensure our investigations gather all relevant evidence so that we can determine what development has gone on without the benefit of the necessary permissions and work together to halt further unauthorised activity."

Key contacts:

If you need to speak to us, please contact our Building Communities Together Team on: 07881 856801 or email: westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk

To report Anti-Social Behaviour: Thames Valley Police. Use the non-emergency 101 number for situations that do not require an immediate police response or their online form: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/

Only call 999 in an emergency if a crime is taking place or immediate danger.

For noise issues: Please contact Environmental Health at Public Protection Partnership on: 1635 503242 or email: ehadvice@westberks.gov.uk