New order issued against unauthorised development

A new enforcement notice has been served by a council over an unauthorised traveller development near a nuclear weapons facility.

West Berkshire Council withdrew a previous notice regarding the site south of Reading Road and opposite the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Aldermaston.

It said the new one, issued last month, means there is "no ambiguity" about it covering all of the unauthorised development.

An interim injunction granted by the High Court in December remains unaffected, with the council awaiting an outcome of recent hearings, which will determine whether the injunction can continue.

AWE maintains and develops the UK's nuclear warheads. Its Aldermaston site, along with nearby Burghfield, plays a key role in the country's Trident defence programme.

Denise Gaines, the council's executive member for planning and housing, said: "We remain committed to taking appropriate and proportionate action where there are serious breaches of planning control.

"The replacement enforcement notice provides greater clarity regarding the land covered by the notice while maintaining the same requirements for the unauthorised development," she added.

"This action demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting our communities, upholding the planning system and ensuring that development takes place in accordance with the law."