Plans revealed for 600 homes on farmland between Reading and Wokingham could see Hatch Farm expanded as an extension of Sindlesham, with the site bounded by the M4.
Landowner Hatch Farm Land Ltd is consulting neighbours and stakeholders on one of the first major developments within the emerging Loddon Valley Garden Village. The 69 acre (28 hectare) site would become the garden village's north-eastern gateway and set early standards for sustainability, landscape design and community infrastructure.
The project would deliver 600 net zero homes, a new local centre and mobility hub, a new road link to Hatch Farm Way as an alternative to Mill Lane, plus extensive green spaces, play areas, allotments and orchards.
Developers say the design will be landscape-led to work with the natural environment, deliver a greater range of wildlife habitats and improve walking, cycling and bus links. They are aiming to deliver a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain if approved.
The consultation is taking place ahead of a planning application to Wokingham Borough Council, expected in June. The development is proposed to come forward in phases from 2027.
Take part at https://hatch-farm.co.uk/ or by calling 0800 028 5485. The consultation closes Friday, May 22.
Geoff Wilde, Director at Hatch Farm Land Ltd, said: "Hatch Farm is a once in a generation opportunity to create a neighbourhood that puts nature, community and long term stewardship at its heart.
"We're committed to delivering a place that feels connected to its surroundings, provides real benefits for existing residents, and sets the tone for the wider Garden Village.
"We're looking forward to hearing from the community and shaping the plans together."
The site is in the Winnersh ward of Wokingham Borough and a webinar explaining the project is available for repeat viewing on the Hatch Farm website.
During a Q&A session, resident Daniel Hayman raised concerns about flooding.
Mr Hayman said: "The River Loddon floods every year, so how can that be a low risk?"
Ed Fambely, the associate director at Ardent Consulting Engineers, replied: "The majority of the site is located within Flood Zone 1, which is land having less than 0.1 per cent annual probability of flooding.
"This is due to the topography of the site, so we’ve got the fall from south to north, so it means that the water won’t make its way up into the site.
"We have got areas of land within the northwestern corner that will have a medium to high risk of flooding, but as part of the mitigation measures, we are not proposing any built development within that area."
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
