A long-anticipated proposal, identified through the Mortimer Neighbourhood Plan process, has just reached the planning application stage, with plans submitted to West Berkshire Council earlier this week.
The site, at “Tower Farm”, was originally set aside in 2017 for a possible new school and NHS doctors’ surgery. Following further work, a Neighbourhood Plan steering group-led engagement exercise in 2022, identified a ‘preferred option’ for it. This proposed repurposing the land for: school outdoor sports & play facilities; school parking, space for the possible doctors’ surgery; a relocated Oaktree private dental practice; and about 20 retirement homes.
Subsequently, Mortimer Surgery confirmed that it would not take up the option to relocate/expand onto that site and so that allocation was removed from the plan.
The plan sees the school sports and play areas located directly adjacent to the existing school, as more practical than if the land were separated from it by the property. The plan includes demolition of that property.
Under the plans, the residential element, now 32 properties, with a pavillion, aimed at over-55s, sits to the south of the new school facilities, and exists partly to help fund the purchase and demolition of Redwoods and partly to contribute to local housing supply. The application has no affordable housing element, apparently owing to commercial viability issues.
Residents and councillors can view the full plans and submit comments as part of the planning process. A decision is typically expected within around eight weeks.
A long-anticipated proposal, identified through the Mortimer Neighbourhood Plan process, has reached the planning application stage…
👉 [link to planning application] Details of the proposal and how to comment
👉 [link to neighbourhood plan] Mortimer Neighbourhood Plan (2017-2026)
Extract from Neighbourhood Plan (p 36)
Nov ’22 proposal
School, with proposed development to the south
Plans see the demolishion of the property to the rear of St John’s school