Revival of Four Houses Corner, a Designated Traveller Site

West Berkshire Council is committed to re-establishing Four Houses Corner, a recognised Traveller site near Ufton Nervet, and we need your views on the proposals. 

The site, which has been in operation since 1982, was cleared and fully demolished between 2020 and 2022 to pave the way for a comprehensive renewal.

Current plans, as detailed in planning application No: 23/01552/REG3, retain the initial layout proposed in 2018, with minor changes including a substitution of a small community block for an individual pitch and amenity block. These designs adhere to national standards for static Traveller sites and incorporate feedback from emergency services.

Originally permitted for 21 Traveller pitches in 1981, only 18 pitches were provided at that time. The new proposal aims for 17 pitches with individual dayroom accommodation, with each pitch designed to take either one static caravan or two tourer caravans. The dayroom accommodation consists of 30sqms of internal space and with residents sleeping in caravan accommodation. 

The refurbishment aligns with Council statutory obligations regarding Gypsy and Traveller site accommodation and offer improved facilities while upholding existing legal agreements and rights to live on site. Additionally, the revamped site may offer the Council further flexibility in meeting wider housing obligations, depending on future occupancy numbers.

Cllr Denise Gaines, Executive Member for Highways, Housing and Sustainable Travel at West Berkshire Council, said:

"The Council has a statutory duty to assess the need for Traveller site accommodation and where a requirement is identified, that need must be met. 

"In the case of Four Houses Corner, part of the site became unfit for purpose hence the need to demolish and rebuild it as the former residents of this site constitute a group with a known housing need.

"We are conducting a public consultation as required for our own development schemes, but we are aware this application will attract the public's attention. I would encourage the public to take part and have their say so that views from the public on the proposals help with the decision making process."

For more information and to have your say on the consultation, please visit: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/four-houses-corner and submit your views by 5:00pm on 15 December 2023.

We're holding a open public presentation, including a question and answer session on: