A councillor has called for money supplied by developers for the local area to be used to improve a ‘notoriously dangerous junction’.
Councillor Andrew Gray has asked Wokingham Borough Council leaders to improve the junction between Whitley Wood Lane and the B3270 in Shinfield, Wokingham.
It is close to Shire Hall, which has recently been approved for demolition. The building served as the headquarters for Berkshire County Council until its abolition in the late 1990s.
The offices, which were acquired by Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate last year, were opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.
The brutalist building is now set for demolition, while a fresh plans put to the council indicate a logistics hub could be built in its place.
In a question submitted ahead of Wokingham Borough’s full council meeting, Cllr Andrew Gray said residents in his Shinfield ward were ‘concerned’ about the potential redevelopment of Shire Hall, especially ‘the potential for increased traffic’ along the B3270.
Cllr Gray wrote: “If the redevelopment of this site goes ahead, can the Council commit to the use of developer contributions to improve this junction and take this important opportunity to work with our partners in Shinfield Parish Council and Reading Borough Council to make this road safer for residents?”
Residents had similarly raised objections to the scheme currently awaiting a decision from Wokingham Borough Council.
Deborah Sibcy wrote in an objection to the council: “The roads and junctions can’t cope with the traffic we have now. The noise and pollution during demolition is going to make being outside on the adjoining housing estate unbearable.
“Outside in the summer won’t be very nice.”
Amanda Charlton similarly said the traffic on the roads is ‘already extremely busy’, and the new hub could ‘negatively impact us accessing our homes’.
Justifying the project, a planning agent from consultants Stantec wrote: “The proposed development forward positive economic development on an existing, outdated employment site.
“It will also provide high-quality employment floorspace for which there is a clear and identified need. This will in turn generate jobs and positively contribute to the local economy both within the short-term (during construction) and long-term (once operational).
“These jobs will be created within a well-designed, safe, attractive and accessible working environment.”
Cllr Andrew Gray will receive a response to his question from the executive member for active travel, transport and highways on March 20, with the opportunity to ask a supplementary question.
