CONTENTIOUS plans to build more than 100 homes on former Ministry of Defence land in Tadley have been approved.

Councillors have said yes to Cala Homes’ application to build 115 homes, 945 square metres of commercial units, open space and over 200 parking spaces on the Boundary Hall site in Aldermaston Road.

The derelict site – which councillors and residents have described as an eyesore – has a long history of planning applications, including one for a supermarket.

But it falls within a three-kilometre Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ) surrounding the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), in Aldermaston.

At last Wednesday’s development control meeting at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, members heard from Dr John Highton, a representative of the Health and Safety Executive.

He said that according to the rules about “safeguarding zones” established in 1997, the population around Tadley is 240 per cent bigger than is recommended in the interests of nuclear safety.

He added: “We encourage outward migration but that is not a reasonable expectation.”

However, he conceded that the plan would not constitute a significant increase in the number of dwellings.

Planning documents suggested AWE had objected, although after the meeting, bosses at the plant said this was not the case.

The committee’s approval of the application went against planning officers’ recommendations but the council agreed to send notice of the approval to HSE, who will then have 21 days to request the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to call the application in for a public inquiry.

During the debate, Councillor Ken Rhatigan said he definitely supported the plan.

He said: “If safety is [AWE’s] prime concern, they are sending an alarming message to the residents in Tadley and Ashford Hill.

“Are they saying we have a population limit? This is an excellent plan and well thought out.”

Cllr Graham Round, ward councillor for Baughurst and Tadley north, added: “The feeling is that this proposal is of great benefit to the area.”

The development, which includes 31 four-bedroomed and 36 three-bedroomed houses and 36 two-bedroomed and 12 one-bedroomed apartments, received 16 letters of objection and 14 in support.

A total of 46 affordable homes is included in the plans and developers will pay to move Tadley’s Scout Hut, on the edge of the premises, to a new building in town.

Speaking against the application, central Tadley ward Cllr Stephen West said: “Tadley can’t sustain 115 dwellings.

“That’s at least 115 people using amenities, and families in Tadley have already failed to get places for their children in local schools.”

He also cited additional traffic on the A340, poor drainage and water pressure as further reasons why the application should be refused.

Councillors’ approval is subject to conditions and a developers’ contributions agreement.