Developer wants 200 properties on other side of road

AN application for 200 homes at Bridge Farm, on the south side of the New Bath Road, is currently being considered by Wokingham Borough Council.

The 12-hectare site comprises four agricultural fields, which have been used for crops and for grazing cattle. At the centre are barns and other agricultural buildings and a house which would all be demolished.

The site is bounded on the east by the Henley to Twyford branch line, and to the west it is bordered by the River Loddon.

Croudace Homes proposes a mix of one-, two-, three- and four/five-bedroom houses and flats with 40 per cent of them affordable.

There would be 477 parking spaces, native shrub and tree planting, a wildflower grass area and a play area. The plans also include a new vehicle access on to the A4 via a roundabout.

Croudace says the development would generate 190 construction jobs over the three-and-a-half year building period and every year residents would generate £2.2 million in expenditure within local shops and services.

Residents are objecting to the plans. Mark Dixon, of The Hawthorns, Charvil, said: “Once again an application to utilise green space, and in particular agricultural land, for housing. When will Wokingham ever stop this hideous overdevelopment of the green areas? This development, alongside that proposed on the north side of the A4, would lead to a significant increase in traffic around the A4 roundabout and along Wargrave road, never mind the already congested Twyford crossroads, and an increased risk to children walking and cycling to the local schools.”

Zoe Heywood of Kilowna Close, Charvil, said: “This would alter the semi-rural nature of the area, increase already fast-flowing traffic on the A4, burden the already full schools, doctors and local amenities and increase flooding.”