Travellers hold up work on new Ikea site - Berkshire

From Get Reading

Building work at the Ikea store in Calcot experienced another hold-up this week when dozens of Travellers parked their caravans and other vehicles on the site.

The project to build the Swedish flat-pack superstore on the site in Pincents Lane close to the M4 junction 12 has been beset by delays.

First West Berkshire councillor Alan Macro representing Theale referred the planning application – which had been passed by West Berkshire Council planners – to the Department of Communities and Local Government because of concerns about traffic levels.

But in September, last year, the council’s original planning approval was upheld.

Then in November, next door neighbour Sainsbury’s requested a judicial review because of concerns involving increased traffic.

Then Sainsbury’s withdrew its request following discussion with Ikea and the council.

So work could begin, but on Tuesday the Travellers arrived on the site in the Pincents Lane Retail Park, part of which has been flattened by the builders in preparation for the development.

Reading project manager for Ikea Calcot Roger Cooper told getreading on Wednesday: “Yesterday morning we were contacted by Thames Valley Police who informed us that a group of Travellers and their vehicles had entered onto the site of our planned new Ikea store in Calcot, Reading.

“The police issued a notice under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act and the group were asked to vacate the premises by 6pm yesterday evening, due to the fact that it’s clearly not a safe or suitable environment for anyone other than the construction team.

“As yet, the site has not been vacated and we are continuing to follow the official procedures in order to secure this happens as soon as possible.”

Police spokesman James Williams said on Wednesday: “The Travellers are still at the site in Calcot.

“The landowner is working with the Travellers to resolve the issue.”

West Berkshire Council spokeswoman Peta Stoddart-Crompton said: “The council is aware of the Travellers but can only take action on land that it owns. The owners of the land are also aware and will be taking the appropriate action.