Niki Hinman

A new freestanding wine tasting centre is planned at Flint Vineyard near Burghfield Common, within the existing vineyard east of Culverlands House. The building could accommodate up to 120 people, but events would operate by pre-booked appointment with attendance controlled. An existing timber-framed shelter will be demolished to make way for the centre.

All Bright Cleaner Ltd has proposed operating a hand car wash and valeting service at Hillier Garden Centre in Aldermaston. The company says the site would not create transport problems on Basingstoke Road, with an entrance-and-exit one-way system, sufficient queuing capacity and wider garden-centre parking available if needed. The plans propose four cars per hour with a standard weekday team, additional operatives at busy times, and continued use of the garden centre by customers.

Aldi has withdrawn its planning application for a 1,640-square-metre store at the Herongate business park on Charnham Street in Hungerford, without giving a public reason. Tesco had formally objected to the proposal, while Hungerford Town Council supported it subject to the provision of a pedestrian crossing between the site and the BMW garage.

A proposed 20mph speed-limit scheme in Thatcham will not proceed after a statutory consultation drew 772 objections and 301 expressions of support. Residents raised concerns about cost, congestion, pollution, enforcement, inconsistent limits and the lack of supporting measures. The council highways team said the roads met the agreed suitability criteria but that the strength of public opposition meant the proposal should be dropped. Future road-specific requests may be considered where there is clear local backing.

West Berkshire Council will review plans to convert the former Chestnut House in Hungerford into a homeless hostel providing up to 16 places, citing rising demand for temporary accommodation. Local residents and Hungerford Town Council object over concerns about crime, antisocial behaviour and parking pressures. Planning officers acknowledge these concerns but recommend approval ahead of the Western Area Planning Committee meeting on July 15.

Hungerford Town Council objected to a proposed development of seven homes south of the Kennet and Avon Canal, arguing the project constitutes overdevelopment, conflicts with the conservation area, and would significantly increase traffic. Highways officers raised concerns about the need for proper road adoption, citing past issues with unadopted roads. Flood officers requested further groundwater monitoring due to high winter levels. Affordable housing rules require 20 percent provision, but the council plans to waive this in exchange for a fee after the developer said providers were unwilling to take on a single unit. The application is set for review by the West Berkshire Council planning committee.