Berkshire, UK
News
Statement in relation to Local Green Space Designation in Hurst - 10th March 2021
In the St Nicholas Hurst Parish Council’s (SNHPC) meeting of 6th July 2020, attending Councillors – who are all unpaid, local volunteers – were asked to reflect and vote on three undeveloped land sites to put forward for potential Local Green Space (LGS) designation by Wokingham Borough Council. These three sites were the large horse and donkey fields located between Tape Lane and Lodge Road, the Hurst Cricket Club, and the field in the centre of the village between School Road and Orchard Road.
Willowmead 5HU006- Land between Lodge Road and Tape Lane 5HU008/5HU016/5HU031 were submitted to WBC for Housing in the Local Plan process- link below:
Councillors unanimously voted to put all three sites forward for LGS consideration by Wokingham Borough Council on the basis the Borough Council would contact landowners and carry out a full assessment of the sites. This was driven by a belief that it is the SNHPC’s duty to try and protect, whenever possible, the natural character and most cherished green spaces found within the Parish. In making their decision, Councillors were conscious that these sites were owned by private landowners, so reviewed information about each of the locations and discussed relevant anecdotes and recent survey feedback from local residents.
Over recent weeks it has become clear to Councillors that there is considerable ongoing local interest and concern from some landowners about the future of these three sites. As a result the SNHPC has decided that a more democratic means to decide on the fate of the Parish’s green spaces is required.
To properly effect that democratic process, the SNHPC has now revoked the three potential LGS sites put forward for consideration by Wokingham Borough Council, preferring instead to engage local residents via the mechanism of the established Neighbourhood Plan. These plans are designed specifically to enable communities to play a much stronger role in shaping the areas in which they live and work, including to determine what locations need greatest protection from development, or indeed are in most need of development. Hurst’s Neighbourhood Plan has consistently been championed by the SNHPC. More information about these plans can be found on the Parish Council’s website at http://www.hurstplan.uk/
There is expected to be an opportunity for a local referendum on the Neighbourhood Plan relevant to the Parish of Hurst by 2022. The SNHPC encourages residents to review this plan in detail and to vote on it when the next opportunity arises.
SNHPC remains committed to trying to protect the natural character and most cherished green spaces within the Parish.
ENDS
St Nicholas Night, 6th December 2020 - now in its 16th year
Due to the current restrictions, this year we could not deliver our annual celebrations.
Unfortunately we have exhausted all the large Christmas trees from Haines Hill Estate. Our thanks to Chris and Lucy Zeal, along with the team who have helped us for the last 15 years.
To the rescue Reddy and Suzy Watt who very generously donated this year's tree
Also thanks to Jake Rockall - Countrycare Services (Hurst Business) who provided the lifting equipment.
Helpers on the Day... Becky Lyon and James Roxburgh-Smith, Councillors Wayne Smith, Michael Holdstock and Alastair Lyon.
Upcoming Events
Meet your Borough Councillor and Hurst Parish Councillors
Warren Inn, Forest Road – Sat 7th March 10-12am
Green Man, Hinton Road- Sat 14th March 10-12am
Wheelrights Arms, Davis Way – Sat 21 March 10-12am - Cancelled (COVID-19)
Spring Litter Pick
Date: Saturday 28th March
Location: Hurst Village Halls
Time: 9am - Cancelled (COVID-19)
Tabards, sacks and pickers will be provided
Presentation of Commemorative Bench
The Chairman of the Parish Council, Wayne Smith and Councillor Penny Curry were delighted to formally present a commemorative bench to St Nicholas Church on Remembrance Sunday, 2019.
