My response to the Governments consultation:
In the SE Plan consideration is given to 7,500 dwellings – Kennet Valley Park to be built in ‘South West Reading north of the M4’ to be added to West Berkhire’s housing allocation to 2026.
The West Berkshire Council has responsibility for enabling the provision of new affordable housing. 10,500 houses are to be built in the district by 2026.
But we oppose the planned development of an additional 7,500 dwellings to be built in ‘H1b Greater Reading and H1b West Berkshire’.
We strongly disagree with the CPRE (Campaign for Rural England) – who make a shocking announcement to the panel of inspectors to include Kennet Meadows as a Strategic Development Area.
We believe that the Government adhere to the advice already given by Defra and the Environment Agency: i.e. reject the planning application as it increases the flood risk to thousands of properties in Reading.
The reason Reading has been so well protected from flooding in the past is due to the protection of this area (the Kennet Meadows).
Also there are contaminated landfills underlying the site which will either have to be capped or relocated. Disturbing these could potentially contaminate the water for the area.
The local infrastructure which is already straining will not be able to cope with increased traffic levels.
The Kennet Meadows is an area of important wildlife, including heritage sites and protected rare birds.
The Kennet valley is already used for recreation, but could be made into a nature park for educational and leisure purposes.