There was a shout of “blood on your hands” after Wokingham borough councillors approved plans for a new development in Lower Earley.
The nine-house cul-de-sac off Rushey Way was approved with two votes in favour at a meeting held at Shute End on Wednesday, June 14.
Residents left in fury following the vote, directing angry shouts at councillors. They argued access to the new street could be dangerous, the site would be too crowded, and construction would damage the environment through loss of protected trees.
Sandra Shaw of Beauchief Close, which would be behind the new street, told councillors that the area is “fully developed and cannot sustain the infrastructure to support more major development”.
She added that as the application was for outline planning permission only – meaning more specific plans will be approved later – “It would be essentially signing a blank cheque.”
And she said residents were concerned the access road to the development would be too narrow, the proposed three-storey houses would overlook neighbouring streets, and construction would damage hedges and protected trees.
Cllr Wayne Smith asked if the entrance would be adopted by the Highways Agency and be a public road. He questioned whether bin lorries would be able to use a private access, and if it would be wide enough for two vehicles to pass.
Gordon Adam from the council’s highways department said it would likely be considered a private access. Cllr Michael Firmager said this meant residents would have to leave their rubbish on Rushey Way.
Council planning officer Ben Hindle recommended that the council approve the development. He said the site was “a very large plot” that “can accommodate nine dwellings”.
Details including access and landscaping were “reserved matters” – to be considered after the outline application was approved.
He said: “A lot of these objections pertain to the reserved matters stage. Those comments will absolutely be welcomed subject to acceptability. However, we must remain in the remit of what an application is. And it is an entirely valid application.”
Cllr Smith said the committee was “in a very difficult position. I think the only way out of it is we’re going to have to scrutinise the reserved matters.”
In a vote, two councillors voted for the proposal and one against, with four abstaining.
Residents watching the meeting shouted “waste of time,” and “Climate emergency? Not here,” as they left in anger.
One said: “You wait until a child dies on that lane walking to school – you’re all going to be responsible.” Another shouted: “Blood on your hands.”
Councillors can refer the detailed plans to the committee when they are submitted.
