BADNELLS PIT INQUIRY: Day three update

As day three of the Badnells inquiry got underway the two sides have still not agreed on a description or address for the site.

Watched by an audience of a dozen residents in the council chamber, Appeal Inspector Geoffrey Hill, asked if it was really that difficult to decide upon. He had asked the representatives from the Royal Borough and Michael Shanly Homes to resolve the problem on Tuesday after pointing out that the facts differed on the original planning application and appeal application.

The inquiry is being held after the Royal Borough refused Michael Shanly Homes' application for more than 400 homes on the Blackamoor Lane site.

Yesterday evidence was given by the Royal Borough's expert witness, David Chivers, who is a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. After investigating the appeal proposal he concluded it was contrary to many development plan policies and 'seriously defective in respecting the local area.'

This morning the inquiry heard evidence from the appellant's expert, Mr Pullan, who said the scheme was 'well considered and developed'. In his evidence he described it as a 'hidden' site with limited public views into it but that the parts of the development that would be seen were of a 'sensitive scale, massing and character that would not cause harm'.

The inquiry also heard speeches against the development from Riverside ward councillor, Alison Napier, MP Theresa May and Maidenhead resident Joyce Monk.