West Berkshire Core Strategy & Sandleford Down found “sound”

After a protracted examination (with two suspension periods), the Inspector appointed to examine the Core Strategy for West Berkshire has found that it is sound. The plan includes a substantial urban extension on Sandleford Down.

Whilst there may be an identified need for an extension, its greenfield location hit the national news.  It is the fictional location of the original warren from which the rabbits fled in the face of the housebuilders in “Watership Down”, published 40 years ago.

William Upton represented the Council in the last part of the examination.

It remains to be seen if the objectors other than Bigwig and Fiver wish to challenge the decision in order to have the plan rewritten. Any such application must be made before Monday 27 August 2012.