West Berkshire Council's Planning Department is proposing to allow developers to build 2,500 new houses to the north east of Thatcham, increasing the size of the town by 25%. Thatcham has not had any significant infrastructure investment for well over 10 years, despite recent rapid residential growth.

This development will not make the lives of the existing residents of Thatcham better. It will put excessive strain on our infrastructure and services: the railway crossing, traffic congestion, roads, doctors surgeries, nursery places, leisure facilities, support services for the elderly and for Thatcham's youth, the library and much more. It makes no real commitment to town centre regeneration nor does it do anything to address air quality issues.

The proposal fails to make any specific requirement for the development to be net zero carbon, which is a commitment of both West Berkshire Council and Thatcham Town Council by 2030.

This petition from Thatcham residents demands that West Berkshire Council must think again before supporting such a huge new housing development in Thatcham, as outlined in it's emerging local plan.

As well as signing this petition, we encourage you to review and respond to the West Berkshire Council consultation process here: http://consult.westberks.gov.uk/kse