Aldermaston Wharf to go

THE long expected plans to develop the historic Aldermaston Wharf on the Kennet & Avon Canal have now been submitted.

These plans are for the construction of three terraces of houses that will be built on the wharf area, but to appease the Kennet & Avon Trust the developers have agreed to restore the visitor centre and toll house.

Commercial venture

This is another commercial venture between British Waterways and the developers H2O, with British Waterways stating the plans have been undertaken following extensive consultation with local residents, Padworth Parish Council, the Kennet & Avon Canal Canal Trust and English Heritage.

Aiden Johnson-Hugill, Development Manager for H2O states:

"Our consultation has been a major help in informing and shaping the plans and we believe we have been able to address most of the issues raised. Our aim has always been to create a high quality development that retains the spirit of the historic area and the site's heritage."

Mixture of heights

Each house will have its own private garden space, both front and rear, as well as external storage space. The buildings will be arranged in three individual terraces and will be a mixture of heights ranging from 2.5 storeys to 1.5 storeys.

When the plans were first raised, Joan Dronal stated in NbW:

"There will soon be nothing left on the Kennet & Avon as all the wharfs are being sold off.  Talk about selling the family silver, it's not in it."

Many objections

There have been many objection to the loss of the wharf, with Ian Farthing, one objector remarking:

"It was all cooked-up between the canal trust and the companies, as the trust objected strongly but were 'bribed' by the promise of its visitor centre having a makeover. Turncoats are what they are."

Mike Rodd of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust stated:

"We initially had several reservations about the earlier plans. However, we are delighted with the way that H2O has responded in addressing our concerns. We feel the design of the new buildings is sympathetic to the listed visitor centre and toll house and fully support the latest plans."

The planning application will go before West Berkshire next year.

Boatyard remains open

Throughout the development the existing boatyard will remain open, with Aiden Johnson-Hugill telling us:

"The development in no way affects the boat hire, chandlery and repair business at Aldermaston, no wharf side facilities have been affected by the proposals. In fact we hope that more people will be able to come and enjoy the waterway and its facilities as a result of the development here."