A PLANNING inquiry is to be held into plans for 1,000 new homes on farmland which inspired Watership Down amid major opposition - including from its author before his death. Developers have been trying to build on Sandleford Park near Newbury since it was allocated for development in 2012 with five failed applications so far. In the iconic novel, rabbits flee Sandleford Warren, which is about to be destroyed by bulldozers. And in a real-life echo of the fictional children s classic, protesters have been fighting development and said protected habitats and ancient woodlands would be at risk if it was allowed to go ahead.
Councillor Clive Hooker, the new chairman, was a magistrate for more than 30 years. The chairman role is the formal representative of West Berkshire Council. As well as chairing council meetings they officiate at civic functions and welcome distinguished visitors of national and international significance on behalf of the district. Cllr Hooker, who represents Downlands ward, was appointed to the role at West Berkshire Council’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 6. The new chairman said: “It’s an honour to have been elected as chairman. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and, Covid permitting, getting out and about to attend local events on behalf of the council.
Sandleford Watership Down house-building inquiry opens
Published
image captionLinks to the novel Watership Down featured at an exhibition of the plans
Plans to build 1,000 new homes on farmland featured in the novel Watership Down will be debated at a planning inquiry.
Developers are appealing against West Berkshire District Council s decision to refuse the Sandleford Park scheme.
There have been five failed applications since the area was allocated for development by the authority in 2012.
Protesters have said protected habitats and ancient woodlands would be at risk.
Watership Down author Richard Adams campaigned in 2011 against developing what he called the most beautiful area south of Newbury .
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