Secretary of State to decide on housing proposal impacting Atomic Weapons facility
Planning and Environment, Local Government
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has called in a planning appeal – due to open on Tuesday 25 February 2025 – regarding a proposal for 148 homes close to the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Burghfield.
The proposal – which was refused by Wokingham Borough Council – would result in an increased residential population in the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone which surrounds the AWE facility.
Objections to the proposals have also been made by the Ministry of Defence and the Office of Nuclear Regulation, which are participating in the appeal as Rule 6 parties.
In calling in the appeal for her determination, the Secretary of State described the proposal as “giving rise to substantial regional or national controversy” and cited the “major objections” and “major interest” of the MOD in the outcome of the appeal.
Matt Lewin, a member of Cornerstone Barristers’ Planning team, is instructed by the local planning authority, Wokingham Borough Council.
