VILLAGERS unanimously decided to object to plans of a new housing development, but wish to see a historic building at its heart restored.

At an Aldermaston Parish Council meeting last Thursday, residents and parish councillors were given the opportunity to quiz the land owners Praxis Real Estate Management over the proposed plans to convert Aldermaston Manor into 23 apartments and to build 227 houses in the surrounding grounds.

The plans have met with concern from the community, including the increase in traffic a new housing development would bring, and the impact on schools and GP surgeries.

At the meeting, where more than 100 residents were in attendance, managing director for Praxis, Steve Fabe, reiterated the fact that the plans submitted to West Berkshire Council are for an enabling development – the sale of the 227 houses would help fund the restoration of the deteriorating Victorian Grade II listed manor house.

Mr Fabe said: “The development will provide a future for those people who are living in and around Aldermaston.”

However John Steele, who was representing AWE, informed the meeting that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) had written to the secretary of state.

He said: “The MOD has given a formal objection to this application as it could affect the future utility of a nuclear deterrent should it be needed.”

Jill Butler from the Woodland Trust said: “Government planning policy is clear. “It states ‘heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource’ and that we should conserve them in a manner appropriate to their significance,” she added.

Residents voted in favour to support the restoration of the manor house, but unanimously objected to the plans for the 227 new builds.