Concern over plan to build homes on school field

The development is proposed next to Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge school in Sonning Common

Concerns have been raised about a plan to build 50 new homes on part of a secondary school's playing field.

Deanfield Homes has applied to create the development next to Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge school in Sonning Common.

Residents taking part in a consultation have raised objections over potential increases in traffic, noise and nuisance.

The project has received support from a South Oxfordshire council affordable housing officer, as it would provide 20 new affordable homes.

In response to the consultation process, neighbours have described the proposal as "ludicrous" and "absurd".

One resident wrote: "We believe that the close and immediate proximity of the proposed development to the existing properties on Reades Lane is highly likely to result in noise, disturbance and nuisance to the detriment of the residential amenity".

Neighbours have raised concerns over potential increases in traffic and noise

Another neighbour argued against the loss of 2.5 hectares of green space.

They wrote: "The development would result in the loss of a significant area of playing field land, which is not considered to be surplus, and no mitigation is proposed for the loss of playing fields."

The neighbour added that future occupants would be reliant on cars rather than public transport, leading to an "unacceptable impact" on roads.

Of the 20 affordable homes, seven will be made available at social rent level, five at affordable rent level, with five being designated First Homes and three being designated as Low Cost Home Ownership.

These are made up of five two-bed and two three-bed social rent houses and three one-bed and two two-bed social rent flats.

A three-bed house and two two-bed houses would be assigned as Low Cost Home Ownership.

The project is currently under consideration with a target decision date of 23 May.