Major Housing Development Sparks Traffic Concerns in Reading

Serious concerns in Reading over plans for the Loddon Valley Garden Village south of the M4, which could deliver 3,230 homes.

A hybrid application for 2,800 homes at Hall Farm plus a separate plan for 430 homes north of Mole Road have been submitted to Wokingham Borough Council. Reading was consulted because of the sites' proximity to the town.

Planning officers Alison Amoah and Matthew Burns recommended objections, warning the development would have a huge impact on traffic in Reading. Councillors backed that view.

John Ennis (Lab, Southcote) noted only 30-33 per cent of people who live in the town make internal journeys to and from work, and said:

"And yet, many councillors here will reinforce that Reading often feels like a car park.

"One of the main reasons for that is external traffic coming in through Reading.

"If they're travelling to Reading to spend money in the town and use the resources, that's what we want, we want to be a regional centre.

"Councillors from north Reading will know this very well from the lack of a third bridge.

"I think it's good we are making that point.

"It's important that we make that objection. This huge development will undoubtedly have a potential negative impact on traffic in south Reading, which we know is under pressure as it is."

There was particular worry about the B3270/Whitley Wood Lane junction, a tricky T junction, and about Shinfield Road - a main route in from the south. Councillors noted Reading Buses' number 3 service is often full at peak times.

Cllr Andrew Hornsby-Smith (Lab, Church) warned:

"We know it's very difficult to turn out of there either left or right if you are coming from the Whitley Wood Lane end.

"I note that there are proposals to have a widening of the B3270.

"We need the details of what is being proposed there, and we just don't have that.

"Undoubtedly, if you have 3,000 homes there, it will have a big impact."

Cllr Kathryn McCann (Green, Redlands) added:

"This will affect my ward and where I live, I've [always] been quite concerned about this development.

"Obviously, the reason why Wokingham puts developments on the edge of Reading is because Reading has everything that the people want, and everyone will be coming into Reading one way or another.

"Public transport probably isn't up to scratch, a lot of people will automatically be driving, and it will have a huge impact."

The committee agreed to object to both applications because of a lack of information on traffic, education, health and leisure impacts. Reading council has also asked to be part of developer legal agreement negotiations if Wokingham approves the plans, to secure mitigation measures within Reading Borough.

View the applications on Wokingham Borough Council's planning portal using references 25249 (2,800 homes) and 252769 (430 homes).

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter