Shinfield 500-home plan would be devastating, say campaigners
- Published
The 95-acre (40-hectare) site where the development would be built is between Basingstoke Road and Sussex Lane
A development of up to 500 homes on the outskirts of a village would be "devastating", campaigners have said.
Planning consultant Richborough intends to apply for permission to develop farmland near Spencers Wood, Shinfield, Berkshire.
Spencers Wood Residents Against Over-Development group said the development on the 95-acre (40-hectare) site would make the area "unrecognisable".
Richborough has not responded to a request for comment.
However, in a news release on its website, it said: "In January 2024, Richborough entered into a promotion agreement with a landowner to bring forward a residential scheme in Spencers Wood...
"The 95-acre parcel of land has the potential to deliver up to 500 new homes, including affordable housing, a school, Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space and other community facilities."
'Horrendous'
Wokingham Borough councillor Catherine Glover, who set up the residents' group, said she was preparing to oppose the plans for the farmland, between Basingstoke Road and Sussex Lane, warning that such a large new development would put pressure on roads, schools and shops.
She said: "It's just devastating really. The traffic situation is already horrendous.
"There aren't any schools - there aren't enough schools at any level. There's not enough retail either. We're getting a Lidl in Shinfield but it's not going to be a big store."
Chris Johnson, another Shinfield South councillor, said housing developments could make the Shinfield area "an extension of Reading".
"I know exactly what sort of pressure that would put on the local area," he said.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I have lived here for nearly 18 years and find it frustrating with the amount of houses being built on our lovely fields.
"The amount of houses being built is madness."
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