Another new proposed development

Hi,

I'm unaware how widely distributed the letter we received the other day has been so want to make all Shiplake residents aware of yet another proposed development. Westbourne Homes will shortly be submitting a planning application to develop the paddock rear of Crossways (the field on the lhs as you leave Shiplake, heading to Henley) for 20 dwellings - the only green space remaining at that section, once Thames Farm is concreted. They claim that the approval of 95 homes at Thames Farm emphasises the suitability of Shiplake for further development, as well as it being a logical infill site - the dominoes are falling very fast now! They also claim that due to boundary changes, this field now falls within Harpsden - feels like the rules are being made up as we go along to suit developers. Can someone please explain exactly why we have wasted money on a Neighbourhood Plan? Is there anything we can do???

Karen Watkins

Posted by: Karen Watkins | 04/06/2020 2:20 pm

Karen, could I also ask you to please send the scan to Shiplake Parish Council? You can email me at cpenrose@shiplakepc.com This land will be within Harpsden parish's boundary, however developers will expolit it in communications as Shiplake because it will of course use Shiplake's resources and infrastructure (rather than Harpsden's). Thank you in advance.

Posted by: Chris Penrose | 05/06/2020 11:20 am

Dear Karen, I am alarmed but not surprised to learn of this proposal. I would be most grateful if you could email a scan of the document to my council email address. Land on the western side of the A4155 is indeed in Harpsden parish. It is covered by the Joint Henley Harpsden Neighbourhood Plan, not the emerging Shiplake Neighbourhood Plan.

Posted by: David Bartholomew | 04/06/2020 4:19 pm