PLANS for a new supermarket have received varied reactions from residents of a Wokingham village.
The proposed Lidl located west of Hollow Lane, Shinfield, is undergoing a period of public consultation, which is set to end on Thursday, October 6.
The plans were welcomed by some, with one resident saying: “Very pleased to see this plan. Would be great not just for Shinfield but for the villages around Shinfield.
“I see a proposed bus stop in the plans, this would be very welcome by myself. I would be able to do a weekly shop and not need any help to get into Reading.”
The village’s nearest large supermarkets are based in Reading or Wokingham.
Given the scale of the South of the M4 strategic development location, some believe the plans are necessary to support the growing community.
A resident said: “[A] supermarket is much needed in the area especially with more houses to be built.
“It was in the original plans for the Shinfield Meadows site so has been expected for some time.”
Not all members of the community are convinced the development is required, however.
One resident said: “Shinfield doesn’t need a Lidl. There is a Co-Op already, which will literally be opposite it.
“There is also a large selection of supermarkets within a 5-10 minute drive.
“I also don’t want to look out of my bedroom window into a dirty car park, where no doubt the local asbos will congregate in the evening.”
The proposed site plan shows 87 parking spaces, including six disabled parking, eight parent and child, and two electric vehicle charging spaces.
Some participants questioned if this number was enough, with one describing the number as ‘insufficient’.
Other residents voiced concerns over traffic congestion and noise.
The proposed site is located between housing in the north of the village and Shinfield View care home, the School Green Centre and Shinfield Infant & Nursery School.
Concerns were raised over safety and accessibility in crossing the car park, with steps set to be added to the footpath.
The proposed access ramp was described as ‘too steep’ by one commentor.
Cllr Lindsay Ferris, executive member for planning and local plan, confirmed the council could not comment on an active planning application, but assured residents their concerns would be considered against relevant local and national planning policies.
He explained: “The principle of development and access to the site were agreed as part of the outline planning application for Shinfield West, which included transport forecasting and modelling and was deemed acceptable at the time by the Secretary of State.
“The current application is for reserved matters, in effect agreeing the finer details, and includes further transport assessment which our highways officers will review to ensure the proposed food store doesn’t have a detrimental impact on highway safety.
“Additionally, we will take residents’ views into account where they raise valid planning issues, so anyone who wants to comment on any planning application should do so during the statutory consultation period.”
If you wish to leave a comment for the council’s public consultation, visit: planning.wokingham.gov.uk
