Hare Hatch Sheeplands near Reading in Berkshire has finally had its plan for a green community focussed garden centre approved after a long and protracted process.

In a statement, the directors Rob Scott, Andy Dicks and Nick Barnett said: “Shute End members of the WBC (West Berkshire Council) planning committee voted overwhelmingly to pass our application to become a garden centre against the officers’ recommendation.

“Our planning case and the views of our customers and local community were conveyed brilliantly by Alyson Jones, of Boyer planning, and Mark A’Bear, a resident of Charvil and customer of many years.

“Dr. Stephen Conway, member for Twyford, was magnificent in leading the debate and proposed that the plans should be passed. Nine out of 10 members from across the political spectrum agreed with his proposal and voted in favour of passing the planning application.

“It was notable that of all the things discussed, in a very thorough and civilised debate, listening to what their residents wanted was a key factor in helping the members to reach their decision.

“So a huge thank you to each and every one of you who have supported us through the years as we have made this journey together, without your support we would have given up years ago.

“We would also like to thank the team.  To all of the Hare Hatch Sheeplands employees and associates past and present who have shared the dream through times of such uncertainty. It is them that have shaped Hare Hatch Sheeplands and made it the place that you enjoy coming to. 

“Finally, we would also like to thank our families who have shared the sleepless nights and stress and provided the motivation to continue.  We can now look forward to a new chapter as Hare Hatch Sheeplands Garden Centre as we build the business together.  With that in mind we can begin to seek avenues of financing to enable the plans to turn into reality.”

Rob added: “I am truly humbled by the numerous letters and emails of support that were sent by our customers and the local community to support this application and all those that went before.  It is exciting that we are now able to provide the facilities at Hare Hatch Sheeplands that our customers and the community have been demanding for a very long time.”

Pictured: Rob Scott and Andy Dicks standing in the Cactus House in December 2021.