Carole’s neighbours dragged into row as Kate’s childhood village set for…
Princess Kate’s former neighbours believe she would be devastated by plans to build 2,500 homes near her childhood home in Berkshire.
The proposed development would transform rolling green fields between Upper Bucklebury and Thatcham, just minutes from where the Princess of Wales grew up.
The area remains close to the royal’s heart, with her mother Carole Middleton still residing at Bucklebury Manor with her husband Michael.
Local residents claim the princess would likely agree with their opposition to the plans privately, though she cannot speak out publicly about the development.
The housing estate, set to be completed by 2041, could turn the idyllic countryside into a building site for 15 years.
The development site borders the North Wessex Downs, an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).
Carole and Michael Middleton moved to the grand Bucklebury Manor in 2012, maintaining strong ties to the village where Kate spent her formative years.
The scale of development has already sparked controversy, with surrounding parish councils initially securing a reduction to 1,500 homes.
However, when Labour came into Government, its Planning Inspectorate demanded the number return to 2,500.
The plans are part of Labour Housing Minister Angela Rayner’s broader initiative to build 1.5 million homes across the country.
Hash Shingadia, 64, who runs the local Spar and Post Office, has fond memories of serving Haribos and Doritos to teenage Kate and her sister Pippa.
His connection to the princess continued when Prince William later visited his shop for ice cream during their courtship.
The Shingadias were even invited to the royal couple’s wedding in 2011.
Speaking to the Mail, Hash expressed concern about the development: “Long term, it’s going to happen but it’s sad to lose our identity. It’s a village and then in a few years, it will be part of Thatcham. It’s going to put a lot of pressure on the surrounding area.”
Local residents have expressed deep concerns about the impact on village life and infrastructure.
“People want to retain the country feel in Bucklebury. It’s a lovely village,” Shingadia added.
Jon Lee, 72, a local resident, suggested the princess would likely share their concerns: “They’ve lived around here a long time. I doubt very much if they wouldn’t see it as the majority of people see it.
Bucklebury Parish Councillor Peter Spours warned: “Bucklebury doesn’t want to become a suburb of Thatcham. It’s an individual village and we want to keep it that way.”
Residents also raised concerns about traffic, sewage systems, and school capacity in the area.
West Berkshire Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Denise Gaines, said: “We are extremely incensed and frustrated that as an administration, we are being forced to progress this plan which fails to meet the needs of our residents.”
A Housing Ministry spokesman defended the plans: “We have inherited the worst housing crisis in living memory, which is why all areas must play their part to deliver 1.5 million homes as part of our Plan for Change.”
The spokesman added that their planning overhaul would help deliver new homes “but not at the expense of the environment.
