Traffic concerns over university's housing plan

Concerns that a university's proposed housing developments could increase traffic problems have led to a council formally objecting to them going ahead.

The University of Reading wants to build the Loddon Valley Garden Village, which it hopes will eventually consist of about 4,000 homes, on land close to Shinfield and Lower Earley.

Approval is sought from Wokingham Borough Council for the first stages, including for 2,800 homes at Hall Farm and another 430 homes at Mole Road in Sindlesham.

But Reading councillors agreed with planning officers who recommended sending objections given the impact the developments could have on roads.

John Ennis, Reading's lead councillor for transport, said about 30% of people who live in the town go to and from work in Reading.

"It's important that we make that objection," he told a meeting of the council's planning applications committee on Wednesday.

"This huge development will undoubtedly have a potential negative impact on traffic in south Reading, which we know is under pressure as it is."

Fellow councillor Kathryn McCann, who represents Redlands ward, said: "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 also agreed to object to the Hall Farm and Mole Road applications because of a lack of information about the impact on education, health and leisure.

Wokingham councillors will be asked to decide on the applications later. They already form part of that council's housing plan.

The university has been contacted for comment.