Government could decide on controversial Reading housing development
Reading West MP Alok Sharma has asked the Government to intervene after West Berkshire Council recommended plans for housing development in Tilehurst be approved
Last updated 4th Jan 2022
Reading West MP Alok Sharma has asked the Government to step in over a Tilehurst housing controversy.
He has written to Micheal Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to request a call-in of the latest application to build on Pincents Hill.
He tweeted:
“We must continue to protect this vital strategic gap and treasured green space which is a haven for wildlife”
Plans for 165 new homes in Tilehurst were due to go before West Berkshire Council before Christmas.
But the meeting was cancelled by the council because the committee would have met around the same time as the Tilehurst South and Holybrook ward by-election.
That council seat was held by the Conservatives. Mr Sharma, who is the Conservative MP for the area, has his constituency office in Tilehurst.
If the secretary of state agrees to call the application in, it could mean that the Government, rather than West Berkshire Council, decides on whether it should go ahead.
Objections
More than 2,000 people have objected to the scheme.
A petition of more than 1,000 signatories opposed to the proposal has also been submitted.
More than 100 different objections, ranging from impact on traffic, transport, access and highway safety to loss of green open space and trees and overdevelopment, have been lodged.
Many highlighted traffic queues – others said they were concerned about the bridleways and green spaces being maintained.
The original scheme for 265 houses was pushed back by West Berkshire’s highways team, fearing a severe impact on Pincents Lane traffic. But it has no objections to the latest scheme.
Tilehurst, Theale and Holybrook Parish Councils have also objected, with concerns regarding potential cumulative impact on infrastructure such as school places with other developments, such as Dorking Way.
The next eastern area planning committee is scheduled for January 26. Council officers have recommended the plans are approved.