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Resident John Edwards (left ) with Peter Jones (RPS)
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Villagers view 2,500 home Shinfield plan

January 31, 2013

Villagers in the south of the borough found out more about major plans to build 2,500 homes which are due to be submitted soon.

Plans for the south of Wokingham Strategic Development Location (SDL), covering Shinfield, Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross, went on display last Wednesday.Villagers in the south of the borough found out more about major plans to build 2,500 homes which are due to be submitted soon.

Plans for the south of Wokingham Strategic Development Location (SDL), covering Shinfield, Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross, went on display last Wednesday.

The event at Shinfield Parish Hall, in School Green, was organised by the South of M4 SDL Consortium, made up of developers David Wilson Homes and Taylor Wimpey and The University of Reading.

A mum from Shinfield, who didn’t want to give her name, described her feelings about the plans as ‘a mixed bag’.

She said: “I understand why they need to do this, but I moved to Shinfield because it was a village and it might lose that character because it is such a big development.

“If I wanted to live somewhere like that I would have moved to Lower Earley.”

The woman added: “The relief road affects where I live and I wanted to find out what is happening.”

Up to 900 homes are proposed for Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross, as well as a primary school, open spaces, sports pitches, play areas and allotments.

Developers also plan to build 276 homes on land between Croft Road and Hyde End Road.

The University of Reading will also submit a planning application to build up to 126 homes in Cutbush Lane.

In November Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, granted appeals by the university to build 1,350 homes, a primary school and a supermarket in Shinfield.

One woman from Spencers Wood, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We need the housing, we have to accept it, but you are concerned about what’s going to be built at the bottom of your own garden.”

John Edwards, of Three Mile Cross, added: “The fields in the area have flooded for 29 years or more and I don’t know how buyers are going to get house insurance.

“I appreciate people need to buy houses but I don’t know who can afford them when they are built.”

Ian Tant, from the Consortium’s planning consultant Barton Willmore, said: “We are glad to have had a further opportunity to discuss the second phase of the Consortium’s proposals with residents.

“The applicants have taken care to formulate a coordinated vision that will meet the needs of the borough, while respecting the established character of the villages.

“These plans present an opportunity for well-coordinated, sustainable and high-quality development that will provide much-needed housing.”

To find out more visit www.southofm4.com.

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