Canal Trust support Aldermaston Wharf housing development

The development — viewed across the canal

Plans to develop the former Reading Marine base at Aldermaston Wharf have been submitted to West Berks Council by H2O, a partnership company formed by British Waterways and Bloc.

The plans developed following consultation with local residents, Padworth Parish Council, the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust and English Heritage include 13 new houses and they also include plans for the restoration of the listed visitor centre and toll house. 

During the consultation David Copley, Chairman of the Reading Branch of the K&A Canal Trust said, “We would prefer there to be no more development at this site, but these are difficult times and we realise that British Waterways has to find funds from wherever it can get them. “One of our main concerns is that there must be enough parking so that visitors can park and get to the canal — and it is important that the development doesn’t detract from the Trust visitor centre.”

The plans now propose the relocation of the visitor centre car park but they will retain the 14 parking spaces for visitors. In re-locating the car park careful consideration has been given to the setting of the listed visitor centre and the Conservation Area. 

Canal Trust support for development
Speaking at this year's K&A Canal Trust AGM the newly elected Chairman, David Rees said, “BW are offering the Trust the buildings at Aldermaston for £1.

"... we will consider accepting these buildings from them as a gift... and I also asked for an endowment of £40,000 to £50,000"

     “When I met them I said to them that in principle we will consider accepting these buildings from them as a gift — but two things have to happen, they have to be restored to a quality and standard the Trust will want to see for the future and I also asked for an endowment of £40,000 to £50,000 of working capital to be able to pay the staff and do what we want to do there.

"... the Trust would probably want to support your planning application — and you can get five or six million pounds from your development and in return we will promote it with you.”

He continued, “And they said to me, ‘what will you give us for that?’ and I said to them, the Trust would probably want to support your planning application — and you can get five or six million pounds from your development and in return we will promote it with you." He concluded, “And they didn’t blink an eyelid — so we have an opportunity at Aldermaston.”

Since making this statement David Rees has parted company with the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust and the K&A Canal Trust has made the manager of the Visitor Centre and café/shop  redundant. The cafe shop is now being run by a private operator, Wayne Sangwell. 
Visit his website at: http://www.kaalder.350.com/home.htm

Proposed housing in Basingstoke Road, Aldermaston

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http://kacanaltimes.co.uk/aldermaston.htm