Public meeting regarding Pincents Hill 10 September 2010

Reading West MP Alok Sharma, local councillors Joe Mooney, Tony Linden and Emma Webster, together with the “Pincents Hill Campaign Group” will be holding a public meeting on Friday 10 September at 7.30 PM regarding Pincents Hill at the Calcot Centre, Highview, Calcot, Reading RG31 4XD.

West Berkshire Council rejected developer Blue Living’s planning application in February 2010 to build 750 homes and commercial space on Pincents Hill. Blue Living has subsequently launched an appeal against the Council’s decision and a Public Enquiry will be held locally in the coming months to consider Blue Living’s appeal.

The aim of the meeting on 10 September 2010 is to update local residents on the current situation, the public enquiry process and what local residents can do to make their views clear to the Planning Inspectorate. The deadline for comments to be received by the Planning Inspectorate is 21 September.

Alok Sharma commented: “Many local residents have fought hard to oppose any development on Pincents Hill and we need to make sure that the Planning Inspectorate understands the strength of local feeling against Blue Living’s plans. We need to do everything we can to fight inappropriate development and save this unique green space for future generations. I would urge local residents to try and attend this meeting.”

Joan Lawrie of the “Save Pincents Hill Campaign Group” (www.savepincentshill.co.uk and www.savecalcot.co.uk) added: “We definitely want to see a good turnout at the public meeting and in the meantime we are also circulating a suggested letter objecting to Blue Living’s plans, which local residents may want to send to the Planning Inspectorate.”

Councillor Joe Mooney said: “I have been a councillor representing the Pincents Hill area for over 20 years and during that time we have seen off a number of attempts to build on this site. If we continue to work together I very much hope we can see off this latest attempt by Blue Living as well.”