News

Theresa expresses concern about Council’s action against Hare Hatch Sheeplands

  • 1 Apr 2015

Theresa May has expressed concern about Wokingham Borough Council’s decision to refuse a ‘certificate application for lawful use’ for the Hare Hatch Sheeplands garden centre in Twyford. Hare Hatch Sheeplands is a popular garden centre and employs many people in the Twyford area. It has been in discussions with Wokingham Borough Council for some time regarding planning permission for several buildings on the site. The decision announced by the Council yesterday appears to bring to an end the chances of an agreement with the garden centre, and threatens its ability to remain open.

Many local residents have voiced their support for Hare Hatch Sheeplands and stated their concerns that enforcement action against it will result in a valued business being forced to close, with the consequent loss of jobs. Theresa has been seeking a compromise agreement between the Council and Hare Hatch Sheeplands. An agreement appeared to have been reached in April 2014 but yesterday’s announcement seems to mark the end of any negotiations, meaning that the Council will proceed with enforcement action.

Theresa also expressed concern about the timing of the announcement, which came on the day after the dissolution of Parliament.

Commenting, Theresa said: “Hare Hatch Sheeplands is a greatly valued local garden centre and it is very disappointing that an agreement has not been found to avoid this enforcement action against it. I have consistently urged the Council to work towards a compromise, to ensure that Hare Hatch Sheeplands can remain open. Many local residents will be deeply concerned about this.”

“It is disappointing that this announcement has been made on the day after the dissolution of Parliament, when there is no longer an MP for the constituency. If I am re-elected on 7th May, I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Council to discuss this.”