Appeal launched over plan for hundreds of new homes

The existing farmland is covered by polytunnels with one main road entrance onto New Bath Road

A proposal for hundreds of new homes on farmland could still go ahead, despite authorities rejecting plans.

Wokingham Borough Council rejected plans for 230 homes at Riverways Farm between Charvil and Twyford, in Berkshire earlier this year.

Resident Scott Silvey said: "It’s a tiny village with no infrastructure on a flood plain where houses already flood every year so people are really worried."

But the developer, David Wilson Homes said it was an "ideal location" for commuters and has appealed the decision, meaning it could be overturned by the planning inspectorate.

Outline of the development site that Wokingham Borough Council rejected

The initial plan received more than 200 objections from residents, raising concerns about overdevelopment and the impact the project would have on flooding, sewage and local schools.

Charvil resident Pat Sutlieff said the chosen site "isn't fit for purpose".

"It's an isolated site outside of Twyford, which is often gridlocked and has had a number of accidents involving the safety of children walking and cycling to school which will only get worse if more homes are built," she added.

Mr Silvey said: "The doctors surgeries are already struggling to meet demand, the secondary school is oversubscribed and Twyford is gridlocked in rush hour as it is.

"We simply don't have the infrastructure in the village for more homes."

The council's planning officers requested that 92 homes would be affordable, made up of 14 four-bed, 18 three-bed and 28 three-bed houses, along with 14 two-bed and 18 one-bed flats.

The plan was submitted on outline, with the exact housing mix and details to be determined in future planning applications.

Councillor for Twyford, Ruscombe and Hurst, Stephen Conway said at the discussions over the development that it would effectively create a new settlement that would be cut off from Twyford making daily travel difficult.

Computer generated aerial plans for 230 homes by David Wilson Homes

The developers argued the project would provide a large variety of housing to suit a range of needs, as well as improving walking and cycle connectivity to Twyford and enhancing biodiversity.

Planning consultant, David Murray-Cox said the development would be in an ideal location for commuters due to Twyford being on the Elizabeth Line, providing train services to and from London.

He said: “Even before the Elizabeth Line opened Twyford was a sustainable place but that is now reinforced with more frequent services available to a more diverse range of destinations.”