Villagers angered by plans for 2,500 new homes near Bucklebury

A planning row has erupted over proposals to build two and thousand new homes on the outskirts of Thatcham in West Berkshire.

West Berkshire Council says that the development will provide the market town of Thatcham with the infrastructure it needs, including new schools.

However, opponents to the plan, based in the neighbouring village of Bucklebury, argue that the planned expansion would set the area back.

Another resident is worried about the impact on the environment.

Thatcham resident and town councillor, Jeremy Cottam, also believes the development would be devastating for the community.

Half of the homes are expected to be built by 2037 and West Berkshire Council says it expects any planning application to provide two new primary schools and a secondary school as well as retail and employment opportunities.

Planning officers will also be insisting that a percentage of the new dwellings should be affordable.

West Berkshire Council is currently considering responses to its draft plan. The local authority intends to run another consultation on the proposals in the summer.