Newbury’s proposed Old Town development of 317 homes goes before councillors on Wednesday with a recommendation for approval.

Lochailort’s third attempt to redevelop the ailing Kennet Centre will be debated at a special meeting of West Berkshire Council’s western area planning committee on September 10.

It follows the withdrawal of the initial Eagle Quarter scheme and the failure on appeal of a revised version last month.

The 317 homes were all hand drawn by architects from Woods Hardwick before being uploaded.

Along with the support of council officers, the scheme has won praise from Create Streets, a social enterprise which seeks to ensure developments meet local needs and sustainability goals, while having long term appeal.

It’s report on the Old Town proposals stated: “They are a perfect example of three core concepts in creating more homes in such a way as to boost local prosperity, increase support for development and encourage sustainable living patterns.”

In his conclusion, Nicholas Boys Smith, founder and chairman of Create Streets, said: “Newbury Town Council rightly aspire to ‘making Newbury a town we can all be proud of.’

“This is a very, very good way to achieve that. I sincerely hope that the local planning authority are wise enough to seize the opportunity that you are creating for the town of Newbury and for all who care for it.”

Hugo Haig, director Lochailort, said: “I was delighted to read the strong recommendation for approval. I have never worked harder on an application. Every house was hand drawn – completely bespoke – and then transferred into a computer image.

“So, in reality, we had to draw all the houses twice. It was a lot of work and it’s all completely unique and specifically crafted for this special site in the centre of town.

“It is architecturally very accomplished, and I truly hope that this is recognised and appreciated by those whose job it is to opine on my application on Wednesday evening.”

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