People are being urged to have their say on controversial plans to redevelop London Road Industrial Estate in Newbury.

They can now take part in a public consultation on a draft development brief, which sets out West Berkshire Council’s options for the project and advises it on how to proceed.

Councillor Ross Mackinnon, executive member for economic development, said: “There is huge potential from regenerating the London Road Industrial Estate; from new office and industrial space to homes and a new improved northern gateway to the town there is lots to be excited about.

“We recognise it is an important area of the town and that local residents and business will have a view on how we take this forward.

“I hope people will take a look at the plans and have their say.”

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According to the development brief, which was commissioned by West Berkshire Council, up to 544 homes, 6,023 sqm of office space and 6,690 sqm of space for other businesses could be built on the site as part of one comprehensive development.

While a phased development could provide up to 280 homes, 3,473 sqm of office space and 5,400 sqm of space for other businesses.

The brief says West Berkshire, which owns the majority of the 25-acre estate, can “encourage redevelopment” but several businesses have signed long-term leases and this could “curtail its ability to deliver new development”.

It also states that the council may need to consider using compulsory purchase orders, to obtain property without the consent of the leaseholders, but this is a “costly process” and it “should only be used as a last resort”.

But last week, Cllr Mackinnon said the council is “committed” to supporting businesses that want to remain on the site.

West Berkshire Council has been looking to redevelop the estate in Newbury for over 15 years.

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The project suffered a major setback in 2018, when the Court of Appeal ruled the council had breached EU law by failing to follow the correct procurement process when it appointed St Modwen Plc as the developer.

But, according to the brief, the council still wants to transform London Road Industrial Estate into a “vibrant, successful and diverse neighbourhood where people will want to live, work and visit” by 2030.

The council sparked a backlash in 2018 when it evicted Newbury Football Club from their ground in Faraday Road to make way for the redevelopment.

The council says it is “looking at options to build a new football facility in the Newbury area” and it will reopen the abandoned Faraday Road ground as “recreational space for community use” in spring 2021, until the regeneration gets underway.

You can take part in the public consultation here