MP hits out at plans to build 70 more homes

A PLAN to add 70 more homes to hundreds already being built on a former golf course in Emmer Green has been criticised by an MP.

Matt Rodda warned that more homes would pile pressure on public services in Caversham and Emmer Green which “cannot support” it, in a letter to South Oxfordshire District Council.

The MP for Reading Central, whose constituency includes Caversham, also argued more homes would set a precedent for the further loss of “precious” countryside space.

Developer Fairfax was granted outline permission 223 homes on land at Reading Golf Course in Kidmore End Road in 2022, despite more than 4,000 objectors.

But the company has since submitted a new outline application to include a further 70 detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses to the north of the site.

The building site falls under South Oxfordshire District Council’s jurisdiction, but Mr Rodda said the new homes would be “reliant” on infrastructure “in my constituency”.

He said: “This area is under pressure with a growing population, congested roads, and high demand on public services such as GP surgeries and schools; the existing local infrastructure cannot support significant additional development.

“Local residents tell me that the housing estate being built on the golf course is already having a noticeable impact on roads in Caversham and Emmer Green, even before it is at full occupancy.”

Residents feared roads in area were “not suitable for large numbers of additional vehicles” and would “only increase pollution” and “negatively impact” safety, Mr Rodda added.

A traffic survey undertaken on July 8 found the proposed development would only lead to a slight increase in queue lengths which was not considered a severe impact.

Mr Rodda said: “I strongly believe that our countryside and public open space is precious and should be protected.

“While I want more homes to be built locally, I believe that brownfield land should be prioritised for this type of development.”