Thursday 15 January 2026      

Our usual round-up of local news includes our report on the recent engagement event held by David Wilson Homes in Compton, a look back at 2025 and a fire-service consultation – plus flooding issues, churchyard improvements, volunteers, community grants and local history. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Compton area events include Focus on Compton Exhibition & Churchyard Tidy Up in Hampstead Norreys. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• Engagement event with David Wilson Homes

As mentioned previously, 14 January saw an engagement event at the Wilkins Centre in Compton regarding the next stage in the development of the 160-home project at the former Institute for Animal Health. I turned up about five minutes after it opened and there were already about fifteen visitors there. I hope the rest of the event proved as well attended: it’s an important issue for the village.

A quick bit of history. The Institute closed in 2015 and the site was handed over to Homes England (HE) Outline planning permission was granted in March 2023 at a meeting of the Western Area Planning Committee (WAPC) The first thing that needed to happen was the demolition of the buildings and a thorough decontamination of the site. This was performed by Cognition Land + Water in 2024. Homes England then invited tenders from developers. All of the work by HE and Cognition was carried out with a high level of local communication and engagement.

This tendering process, I learned at the event, was conducted following the Building for a Healthy Life “design toolkit” which HE describes as its “key measure of design quality”. Following this process, David Wilson Homes (DWH) was appointed as the developer.

The immediate issue is getting a reserved matters (full) application lodged before the previous outline permission expires in March. This full application could be described as giving shape and detail to the previously agreed principle development. I understand that this will be lodged in February. Any comments or issues raised at this engagement event will find their place in this.

The application will then proceed through the planning system, at which residents and Compton PC will have their chance to comment, probably ending up with a visit to the WAPC. If all goes to plan,  spades might be in the ground in early 2027, with 2030 thus a possible completion date. One advantage DWH has compared to many brownfield developments is that the site is both clean and empty.

The event itself was well staffed by representatives from DWH and its associates and HE, which bodes well for future engagement over then next four years. One point that surprised me was that, at present, DWH has no plans to launch a dedicated web page on which news about the project, and the information from the dozen or so display boards, could be seen by those who were unable to attend. I’ve suggested that this decision be reviewed.

A few points struck me from my study of the information, various conversations with the attendees and my pre-knowledge of the issues.

• Solar panels. The drawings showed that none of the homes would have these fitted. Though this seems in line with regulations (providing they can be retrofitted), this is disappointing.
• Affordable/social-rent homes. As this is a brownfield site, WBC’s policy demands that 30% of the dwellings are of this kind. The current plan seems to 12 two-bed homes as first homes; one two-bed and one three-bed house as shared ownership; and 12 one-bed maisonettes, 13 two-bed houses and nine three-bed houses for social rent.
• Biodiversity net gain. Current government guidelines demand a 10% increase as a result of such developments, to be provided on-site, elsewhere in the district or in a similar topographical location elsewhere. It appears that all of this will be provided on-site, in the nature area at the north of the plot. How and by whom this will be managed is to be agreed.
• Community assets. Aside from the above-mentioned nature area and other non-build aspects of the site (which will in the latter cases presumably be managed and maintained by a management company), a question mark remains over three aspects: the playing field in the south-west of the site, the nearby community building and the gatehouse by the main southern entrance. The last two buildings were the only ones spared by Cognition, in the former case because Compton’s neighbourhood development plan identified it as being worth keeping. The reasons for retaining the gatehouse, which is of no particular architectural merit, remain more obscure. The Parish Council may be minded to take over some or all of these, depending on their current state of repair and what uses can be found for them.
• Road adoption. In order to be maintained by the local highways authority (LHA), WBC in this case, they need to be built to an “adoptable standard”. There’s a process by which the LHA can verify this. If it isn’t followed, adoption isn’t possible and the roads are “private”. This might seem attractive and almost exclusive. What it really means is that if there are any problems, the residents have to pay for them through the management company. This has for various reasons happened elsewhere and is something to be avoided at all costs. I’m sure that Compton PC and the ward members will be watching this.
• Decision notices. This is a slightly arcane, though important, matter and one that DWH has inherited. In brief, some of these (regarding whether buildings could be occupied before the necessary sewerage connections had been made) were wrongly issued by WBC. Mistakes happen. Rectifying these is, unfortunately, not simple as decision notices have the force of law. Again, Compton PC and the ward member – and DWH, HE and WBC – are vividly aware that this needs to be sorted. Just saying…
• Drainage issues. This development, and the nearby 40-home one at the Baxter site, collectively pose questions about the sewerage system and surface-water drainage which require some joined-up thinking. Thames Water has recently lodged two applications regarding upgrading its facilities but it’s unclear if this will provide a solution. Another issue that needs watching by the Parish Council.

Once the application is lodged will provide a link to that and will also publicise any further engagement exercises or public meetings that take place. If DWH launches a web page to provide information about the development (see first point above) we’ll certainly give that a mention too.

After the event, DWH issued the following statement:

“The event was well attended with a total of 69 people visiting across the two sessions and 28 feedback forms completed by attendees. These are now being reviewed by the team with a view to finalising the application for submission in February. Following validation of the application local residents will be able to make comments to the Council regarding the proposals.

“David Wilson Home and Homes England were pleased with the positive approach the local residents took in relation to the exhibition and were happy to be able to answer their questions in relation to the development and explain the proposals in more detail. It is the intention to keep the local publications Penny Post and Compilations up to date with the progress at the site as it progresses through the planning process and eventually to construction.”

• A consultation from the fire service

Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) is consulting all Berkshire residents and staff on Council Tax funding for the next financial year until 9am on Monday, 2 February 2026.

“RBFA is committed to delivering value for money across the services provided to local residents,” the RBF explains. “However, due to significant budgetary pressure as outlined in this letter, to protect our services to the public, RBFA is proposing a £5 increase for 2026/2027, based on a Band D precept, to £91.31.

“This year the Government has announced a three-year settlement of central funding, instead of a one-year settlement. To align to this and help us plan our finances effectively over the longer term, RBFA is also consulting on an increase of £5 per annum in Council Tax, based on a Band D precept, for the next three years.”

For more information and to take part in the consultation, please click here.

• West Berkshire Council says that around 11,000 residents could be missing out on much needed financial support such as Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Allowance and Free School Meals. The Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) uses anonymised data from the DWP and the Council to identify eligible households who may be contacted with details on how to apply online or get free local support through the Let’s Talk programme. See upcoming Let’s Talk dates here.

• The lack of social housing, particularly in rural areas,  is consistently under the spotlight, however, villages can source help in a number of ways. Click here for full details.

• A gentle reminder that Brian Quinn’s second volume of short stories and parodies, Gravity and Rust, is now available from any bookshop, including the Hungerford Bookshop, the White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough and the Wantage Bookshop. For full info click here.

• For Hampstead Norreys news visit the Parish Council’s Facebook page.

• Latest local newsletters

• Chaddleworth News.
• West Ilsley News.

• Have your say on:

Consultations being run by West Berkshire Council:

• Proposed Traffic Regulation Order: Hermitage, Bucklebury and Cold Ash 20mph speed limit – deadline 28 Jan 2026.
• Proposed Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools 2027/28 – deadline 30 Jan 2026.
• Proposed development of a Resource Base at Victoria Park Nursery School, Newbury – deadline 25 Feb 2026.

Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.

Community notices

• Have your say on current consultations by West Berkshire Council. Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.

• Compton & Downland Villages Menopause Cafe  at The Swan at Compton on selected Saturday mornings from 10am to 12noon. To find out more or to book a space call Cathy on 07787 517871 or email catherineleatham@gmail.com. For more details visit menopausecafe.net

• Hampstead Norreys Handbell Ringers welcome new members. So if you have a musical ear and are keen on community, click here for full details.

• Compton Netball, for all ages and all abilities at The Downs School Sports Hall. Please message Nadia Oriani Balfour  if you’re interested and she will send you a link to the WhatsApp group.

• Scam reminders from Citizens Advice with most common types of scam. The golden rule is if something seems too good to be true or doesn’t feel right it might be a scam, so take a moment and get advice or just ask a friend.

• West Ilsley Willows women’s cricket team West Ilsley Willows welcomes new members. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned player go along to meet the team at a Thursday evening training.

• The Downlands Practice Social Prescribing Facebook page has details of social get-togethers and community support.

• Compton Stay, Learn & Play in Compton Village Hall on the second and fourth Thursday of the month for young families. See here for details.

• Ilsley Evergreens welcomes all to join its coach day trips. Just contact Liane on ilsleysevergreens@gmail.com to book a place.

• Downland Volunteer Group has an electric HandeBus. For those wishing to use the HandeBus or volunteer to help the DVG’s work, contact 07713 813 523; dvg.handebus@btinternet.com or on its website. More information can also be found here.

• The Downland Volunteer Group is urgently seeking caring, reliable drivers to support residents who are elderly, unwell, disabled, or otherwise in need. Call here for full details.

• U6, U7 and U16 footballers are welcome at FC Cougars. Please contact Graham on graham@fccougars.com.

• Compton Karate based at Aldworth Village Hall is a small and friendly dojo that welcomes new members.

• For how to avoid scams and what to do if you unluckily get caught, please see important advice here from Citizen’s Advice. There is no shame if you do get caught out by scammers (Penny has) and you must seek help and warn others.

Local events and activities

For more information on events and activities across the Penny Post area, see the website calendar.

• Dates for the diary

• Until 8 Feb 2026 Focus on Compton Exhibition, West Berkshire Museum.

• Sat 17 Jan Compton FC v Drayton Wasps, Compton Rec.

• Sat 17 Jan Dean Meadow Churchyard Tidy, Hampstead Norreys

• Sat 24 Jan Fubar Live The Swan at East IIlsley

• Tue 3 Feb Newbury Cancer Care Talk The Wilkins Centre

• Sat 7 Feb Winter Welcome Lunch St Mary’s Church Hampstead Norreys

• Regular events and groups

• Stay, Play and Learn at Compton Village Hall on Thursday mornings during term for children 0-4 years to socialise with others, exploring a variety of play activities and crafts. Book online with West Berkshire Council here.

• Free safe & well visit, by The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service. To see if you qualify click here, call Freephone 0800 5876679 or email SafeandWell@rbfrs.co.uk.

• The Household Support Fund is for those most in need. Priority will be given to households who are ineligible for other government support and vulnerable groups regarding the cost of living crisis. To apply click here.

• The Handybus service to Wantage picks up Chaddleworth and Leckhamstead residents from their homes on the second and fourth Tuesday morning. The round trip will cost £4. See here for more details and how to book.

•  Compton Pop-up Library is on the second Thursday of every month from 10.15am to 11.45am, in Compton Village Hall. What’s more, if you tell them about the sort of books you like to read they will choose a selection for your next visit.

• Leckhampstead Pop-up Library is at Leckhampstead Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month, 10am to 12pm. See details here. New library members very welcome to join.

• Allotment plots available at Newbury Lane allotment in Compton from £12.50 per year. If you’re interested please mail newburylaneallotmentmanager@comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk.

• Marcham Cricket Club welcomes new cricket players and officials.

• Tea and a Chat on Mondays from 9.30 to 11am at the Wilkins Centre in Compton: all welcome.

• Downland Practice’s Social Prescribing reminds patients that Hillier’s Garden Centre is delighted to be able to host the Ladies Breakfast Club on the second Wednesday of every month.

• Wellbeing and mental health free one-hour introduction session with Recovery in Mind and The Downland Practice. Please contact pm.downland@nhs.net to book your place.

• Drop Off/Drop In Coffee Morning every Wednesday during term time at Brightwalton Church from 8.45 to 10 a.m.

• Aldworth Saturday Market at Aldworth Village Hall, RG8 9SE from 10.30am to 12noon sells fresh fruit and vegetables, groceries, stamps and cards plus tea and coffee. Contact Kathy on 01635 578090 or e-mail kathyneville@outlook.com.

• The Gents Breakfast Club created by The Downland Practice – Social Prescribing is proving popular. If you would like more information please contact nicky.ager@nhs.net.

• Compton Tots on the first and third Thursday of every month at Compton Village Hall from 9.30 to 11am. Providing a safe, fun and educational space, in partnership will Compton Pre-school for 0-5 years and costs £2 per family (cash only).

• Quiz night at The Crown and Horns in East Ilsley every Thursday from 7pm with prizes to be won. You can reserve a table by calling 01635 281545, and see more information here.

• Brickleton Babes Baby and Toddler Group in Brightwalton Village Hall. Join its Facebook group for details.

• Autumn Group regular meetings include the Hobbies Club at the Wilkins Centre, Compton. Visit its Facebook page for details. Anyone from surrounding villages very welcome.

• Aldworth Art/Painting Group at the Aldworth Village Hall on first and third Tuesday of every month from 9.30am to 12 noon. Details here.

• Hampstead Norreys Village Hall club and event information is on Hampstead Norreys Community website.

• Ilsley Under Fives meets every Wednesday between 10am to 11.30 a.m at various locations throughout the Ilsley villages. Please join its Facebook group or see details here.

News from your local council

Note: “the most recent meeting” refers to the most recent one for which minutes (in some cases draft) or some other summary is available. Other meetings may have taken place since. Some councils publish minutes more promptly than do others. If the link is scored through this may be because draft minutes have been replaced by approved ones and the drafts file deleted. If so, please follow the links provided to the council’s website.

• The most recent meeting of Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 1 December and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: The Downland Practice; planning matters; financial matters; council policies; and next steps with regards to the legal advice regarding the conditions for planning application 20/01336/OUTMAJ.
You can also click here to read the minutes of Compton’s Annual Parish Meeting on 10 March. We have also published the Chair’s address in a separate post which you can read here.
To see the dates of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), agendas and minutes, please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Hampstead Norreys Council for which minutes are available  took place on 27 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.

• The most recent meeting of West Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 18 November and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the weight-limit petition; planning matters; financial matters; the proposed 20mph speed limit; the Village Hall; the budget (£11,304) and the precept rise (£.76%) for 2026-27; flooding issues; and traffic management.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees) please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Chaddleworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 11 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates and agendas of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see the minutes, click here.

• The most recent meeting of Brightwalton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 10 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. 

• The most recent meetings of Ashampstead Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 10 November and you can read the minutes here. 
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Beedon Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 6 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates and agendas of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see minutes from past meetings please click here. Please click here for details of the planning applications currently active in the parish.

• The most recent meeting of Aldworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 4 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.

• The most recent meeting of East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 9 September and you can download the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Peasemore Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 2 July and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. 

• Compton & Downlands area council contacts

• Parishes: Hampstead Norreys Parish Council, Compton Parish Council, Ashampstead Parish Council, Beedon Parish Council, Chaddleworth Parish Council, Brightwalton Parish Council, Peasemore Parish Council, Aldworth Parish Council, West Ilsley Parish Council and East Ilsley Parish Council.
• West Berkshire Council: click here to visit the website.

• News from other areas

• Penny Post area: see the following separate sections: Hungerford area; Lambourn Valley; Newbury area; Thatcham area; Compton and Downlands; Burghfield area; Wantage area; Marlborough area.
• News and views from across the area and beyond: see the most recent Weekly News with Brian column.

Archives

To see earlier Compton & Downlands & Surrounding Area Weekly News columns, please click here.