Authoritie Issue New Order Against Unauthorised Development, Construction Plans Meet Reality

West Berkshire Council has issued a fresh enforcement notice concerning an unauthorised traveller development near Reading, close to the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) at Aldermaston. The council withdrew an earlier notice covering the site south of Reading Road and opposite the AWE facility. It said the replacement notice, issued last month, removes any ambiguity by clearly covering the entire unauthorised development. The move comes as a High Court injunction concerning the site remains in place. The council is awaiting the outcome of recent hearings that will determine whether the interim injunction can continue. The location has attracted particular attention because of its proximity to AWE Aldermaston, a major UK defence facility involved in maintaining and developing the country nuclear warheads. Together with the nearby Burghfield site, Aldermaston plays an important role in the UK Trident nuclear deterrent programme. West Berkshire Council said the new enforcement notice does not change the requirements previously imposed but provides greater clarity about the land covered by the action. Denise Gaines, the council's executive member for planning and housing, said the authority remained committed to taking appropriate and proportionate action in cases involving serious breaches of planning control. The council said its latest action was aimed at protecting local communities, maintaining the integrity of the planning system and ensuring that development complies with planning law. The case now remains tied to both the planning process and the ongoing High Court proceeding. The court decision on the injunction could determine the next stage of the dispute, while the replacement enforcement notice gives the council a clearer legal basis for pursuing action over the development.