Shopping centre revamp plan given go-ahead

The project for the Kennet Centre was approved by West Berkshire councillors

The redevelopment of an ageing shopping centre has been given planning permission.

Developer Lochailort Investments' Old Town plan for Newbury's Kennet Centre includes 317 homes, and was approved by West Berkshire Council's western area planning committee on Wednesday evening.

The developer saw the alternative Eagle Quarter plan for about 420 homes at the 1970s centre dismissed by a planning inspector last month.

West Berkshire Council planning officers supported the application, giving the go-ahead for the site where 16 of 50 units are currently vacant.

The centre's retail space will be cut dramatically from about 14,900 sqm (48,885 sqft) to 5,200 sqm (17,060 sqft) once the project has been completed.

The council's permission allows for 107 houses and 210 flats.

Louise Sturgess, who represents Newbury Central on the council, said despite some concerns, including the scale of some buildings along Market Street and Cheap Street, the approved plan represented a "huge step forward" on the previous project.

Newbury Town Council agreed, describing the development as a "significant improvement" on the Eagle Quarter application.

Previous plans to revamp the centre were rejected by West Berkshire Council in November 2022 and in January.

Nando's, Kung Fu, and the Vue cinema are set to remain in place.

Planning officer Matthew Shepherd said the lack of any affordable housing in the development was a "missed opportunity", but acceptable given an independent assessment found they would make the project unviable.

The application also includes the provision of five new commercial units fronting Bartholomew Street and Market Place, in addition to two reconfigured units.