Homes England applies for 250 homes in West Berkshire

Homes England (HE) has applied to build up to 250 properties at the former site of the Pirbright Institute at Compton in West Berkshire.

HE’s hybrid outline planning application to West Berkshire Council includes demolition of the existing buildings on the 15.8-hectare site and building the homes along with employment land and public open space including the retention of a cricket pitch.

The institute was a centre to research viruses in farm animals and remediation work has been necessary to decontaminate the land.

Homes of between two and five bedrooms are planned. The application’s planning statement by AECOM says: “The intention is for a range of different housing types to be provided within these development areas with the majority of the housing being family homes with gardens.

“The proposal also includes townhouses and smaller terraced properties to deliver homes for different households.”