Neighbours in dispute over filling in pond

PLANS to fill in a dried-up pond at Hill House Cottages in Hare Hatch have been welcomed by Wargrave Parish Council.

The dip, which used to be filled with water from a small water course, is at the eastern side of a one-acre grassy area in front of the four terraced cottages.

A partially retrospective planning application submitted to Wokingham Borough Council by Daniel Nash, who lives at No 1, says it is believed that the water source was diverted during work on a neighbouring property.

The pond is now a puddle with the sides exposed, which Mr Nash says could pose a danger to his young son.

The application describes the dip as having quite steep sides which are loose and slippery as well as containing branches and other debris. It claims that rainwater sitting in the pond can quickly become stagnant and smelly.

Part of the hole has already been filled in, but was stopped after Mr Nash was advised by Wokingham Borough Council that this constituted engineering work and required permission.

Mr Nash intends to plant and maintain the area as a wildflower meadow.

But Richard Longmuir, who lives at No 2, has objected, saying that he wants the pond to be restored.

He says: “The main bulk of the pond and surrounding area under review for landscaping is on my land.

“The pond has dried up as a result of redirecting the rainwater run off following an extension to No 1.”

He believes that great crested newts, a protected species, live in the pond.