Nestled along the banks of the picturesque Thames in Caversham, Mill Green is an off-road track that serves as a vital link between Star Road and Piggots Road. This serene pathway, popular among locals and visitors alike for its natural beauty, finds itself at the center of a growing controversy involving a shipping container that has obstructed a portion of the track for over three years. As residents and mooring owners voice their concerns, the matter has garnered attention from the local council, sparking discussions about planning laws and community rights.
The Obstruction: A Shipping Container
At the heart of the issue is a shipping container placed adjacent to Mill Green, which, while passable via a nearby pavement, has drawn the ire of local boater Ivan Carter. Mr. Carter, who has a mooring at Mill Green, argues that the container was installed without proper permission, infringing on the accessibility and aesthetic appeal of the area. His frustration is compounded by what he describes as the council’s inaction regarding the situation, despite numerous reports filed to the Reading Borough Council.
“They are doing nothing about it,” Mr. Carter expressed regarding the council’s response. “They have a duty to uphold planning law and they are doing nothing about it. Why haven’t they taken enforcement action?”
The Council’s Response
According to a council spokesperson, a review of the circumstances surrounding the shipping container determined that it does not constitute ‘development,’ and thus the council lacks the authority to mandate its removal. While this assertion may pacify some, it seems to exacerbate Mr. Carter’s feelings of frustration and helplessness.
Resigned to the ongoing obstruction, Mr. Carter has contemplated taking legal action against the council, alleging that they are not applying the law fairly and without bias towards the nearby Better Boating Company, which owns the container. “They are not fair, and they [the boatyard] are allowed to do that; it’s biased,” he lamented.
The Moore’s Dilemma
In his pursuit of a solution, Mr. Carter sought to enhance vehicular access to his mooring from Mill Green. However, an appeal for this access was denied by local councillors in March 2022, and subsequent appeals to the government planning inspectorate met with rejection in November of the same year. The denial has left him feeling disadvantaged, further intensifying his grievances regarding the shipping container.
In an effort to move forward, Mr. Carter has put his property, affectionately known as The Moorings, on the market for £475,000 through local agents Farmer & Dyer. Photos of the listing depict a charming space featuring a garden, paved entertaining area, and a covered mooring, all of which suggest the potential for a scenic retreat. However, it is essential to note that the site is subject to leisure use only and is classified as floodplain land—precluding any residential development.
The Broader Context: Planning Controversies
The presence and continued placement of the shipping container evoke broader discussions about planning regulations and enforcement within the community. Mr. Carter claims that the Better Boating Company has violated planning laws by installing two mobile homes, a claim that remains unverified. In response, the council has directed residents concerned about potential breaches of planning regulations to report them through official channels.
This ongoing disagreement has led to increased scrutiny of the council’s response to planning issues in Caversham. While Mr. Carter feels neglected and biased against, the council maintains that they follow legal frameworks and protocols in their enforcement actions.
Community Implications
The concerns surrounding the shipping container, Mr. Carter’s mooring, and the Better Boating Company have stirred a mix of emotions among local residents. For many, the accessibility of Mill Green represents an essential component of their lifestyle, weaving through the natural beauty of the Thames. As such, maintaining the integrity of this space while navigating the complexities of local regulations will be a challenge for both residents and council officials.
The ongoing situation encapsulates the often-contentious interplay between individual rights, community needs, and local governance. It serves as a reminder that while nature might provide unyielding beauty, community dynamics can be as complex and multifaceted as the waterways that weave through them. As the shipping container remains in situ, unanswered questions linger, leaving local residents to wonder about the future of Mill Green and their beloved Thames-side sanctuary.
