Kennet Centre’s Future Hinges on Philosophical Building Principles

It’s rare to use logic principles with Newbury stories. Occam’s Razor applies to the Kennet Centre plans. The principle favors the simplest solution. It disregards personal architectural preferences. The “Eagle Quarter” plan comes from Market Street.

Occam’s Razor says simpler ideas are better. It helps explain the same issue with two options. Two very different proposals exist for that site. The council or the government will decide.

One plan proposes 427 units in blocks. The other suggests 317 unique mews houses. Lochalilort proposed the mews houses. They previously failed thrice with a taller plan.

West Berkshire needs more housing. The government desires sustainable site building. This makes Eagle Quarter more appealing. The old plan was once rejected. People thought it ruined Newbury’s character.

It might happen anyway, after all. Taxpayers bear the costs if the council appeals it. Hugo Haig directs Lochalilort. He said the first plan has merit.

It followed government and West Berkshire rules. Haig won’t say which plan he likes more. He also kept quiet on mews build costs. They would likely be more expensive.

Conservationists opposed the taller blocks. Proposals reduced block height somewhat. They included more “heritage” architectural elements. Councillors worried Eagle Quarter was too dominant. The council risks a difficult situation. Government might decide first.