Supermarket plan refused in Reading suburb

A plan to build a new Lidl supermarket in Lower Earley has been refused due to the ‘overbearing’ impact it would have on neighbours.

Developers Lower Earley Properties had hoped to build a new Lidl and 43 homes off Meldreth Way in Lower Earley.

However, the plan was rejected due to the loss of countryside and the impact the development would have on neighbours and local roads.

The scheme has been unpopular with neighbours ever since contractors for the developers engaged in legal preparation works at the site in November last year.

Opponents of the scheme accused the contractors of the site ‘deforestation’ of the site, which is designated countryside known as Swallows Meadow.

Lower Earley Properties had argued that  662 people showed their support for the new Lidl and the homes in a survey conducted on its behalf.

But ultimately the plan was deemed “unacceptable in principle” and was refused unanimously by Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee.

Cllr Carl Doran (Independent, Bulmershe & Whitegates) said: “The site is clearly part of a green corridor. Here we’ve got a long green corridor that goes all the way from Showcase Cinema to Shinfield.

“Once we fill in one little bit of it, the rest is going to go.”

Cllr Doran added this was one of the most controversial applications he has ever determined.

Although 662 people showed support for the plan, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen (Conservative, Hillside) pointed out that several of these supporters come from further afield.

Cllr Jorgensen said: “Either they’ve got no reason to be interested in this store, or they’re going to drive there from Reading, Guildford and Wokingham and gum the whole place up with additional traffic.”

The plan was refused in a unanimous vote of six Conservatives and two Independent councillors present at the meeting.

There are worries that the developers will appeal the decision.

Lower Earley Properties has six months to lodge an appeal.

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