Aldermaston Parish Council has produced this flyer to give its residents information about planning application 22/03132/FUL relating to the redevelopment of the old wood yard site on Paices Hill. We would also encourage people to visit the West Berkshire Council website to view the detailed plans and, if they have strong views either for or against the proposals, to submit comments directly to the Council.

Application 22/03132/FUL is a part retrospective application for a reduction in levels and the demolition of a storage unit. Permission is also sought for the erection of a new storage unit and a retaining wall. It is part retrospective because much of the excavation work has already been carried out prior to obtaining planning permission, which you may have noticed as the excess soil is clearly visible from the road.

The application only gives details of how the new owner would like to develop the Site, but gives little information on its proposed use. However, the owners attended a Parish Council meeting in October 2022 and shared with us the following:

• The site would be the base for a volumetric concrete business.
• The business would have six eight-wheeler cement mixers each making an average 3 deliveries per day, ie 36 HGV movements in and out of the site onto the A340.
• They would store supplies of various aggregates and cement.
• In the longer term, they may also establish a plant-hire business.

Residents may want to weigh up potential upsides of these proposals (repurposing the wood yard and creating new jobs in the area) against possible negative effects such as:

• Safety of HGVs entering/exiting onto the A340.
• Proximity to Conservation Area, residential dwellings and Aldermaston Manor.
• Environmental Health impact – noise, dust and light nuisance.
• Aesthetics of a commercial site in a rural setting.
• Potential for further industrial spread.

To have your say, please click here. Comments should be submitted on or before 16 February 2023 (they may be accepted after this time if the matter has not been determined by then).