CAMPAIGNERS are urging residents to block a second attempt to build a huge housing development on a popular green site.
Gladman Developments has re-applied to put 216 houses on Woodcray Meadows east of Finchampstead Road despite a previous application for 250 homes being rejected by Wokingham Borough Council.
The Save Woodcray Countryside Campaign Group has called on local people to object to the proposals before the deadline of Wednesday, March 13.
The group fears the development will lead to increased traffic congestion and pollution, anti-social behaviour and the loss of unspoilt countryside.
Letters delivered to houses across the area around the proposed developments warn that the scheme will not only affect the immediate area but communities further out, as well as commuters on Finchampstead Road.
Campaigners are particularly angry over what they claim is a partnership between Gladman and Luckley House School to give it a one hectare playing field in return for pedestrian access through the school site to Luckley Road.
A spokesperson said: “It seems Gladmans just want to make money from building houses and the school wants a new playing field and neither cares for the local community.
“They have refused to listen to our concerns or engage with us and both have acted in a cavalier fashion.
“It seems as long as they get what they want the rest of us will just have to put up with it.
“Well, our message is we will simply not do that. We are determined to fight this second application as we did the first.
“We know there is strong support from councillors and local people. We intend to fight it every step of the way.”
In the letter delivered to local households, the group say: “As you took the time and effort to comment on the previous planning application on Woodcray Meadows (170261), you must feel as strongly as we do about overdevelopment in the area, and the impact development of Woodcray Meadows will have on local traffic congestion, air quality and the loss of the unspoilt countryside that separates Wokingham from North Finchampstead.
“If you have the time, please have a look at the Gladmans Design and Access Statement submission on the 190286 planning website. You will notice that this application is for dwellings with a maximum height of three floors as opposed to the previous two. You will also notice that Gladman’s submissions contain many of the same misleading information and errors that were highlighted by residents (such as you) in the last application.
“Despite their claims to engage with the local community, we can only assume they have not read or chosen to ignore the 550+ objections raised to their previous application.”
The Save Woodcray Countryside Campaign Group claim the site lies outside the settlement boundary and is not close to local amenities with poor public transport, cycle and walking connections.
They say it would also destroy the “important physical countryside separation between Wokingham and Finchampstead North,” and increase traffic on the already congested Finchampstead Road.
The letter adds: “Our councillors have been very supportive and don’t want this development any more than local residents do, but it is important that the planning dept receive as many unique objections to this application as possible. Objections are permitted from every member of your household and please encourage your neighbours and local friends to do the same.”
Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner, whose Wescott Ward includes the proposed development, said: “I’m saddened that Gladmans has sought to put in another planning application without any sort of engagement with the residents and I am determined to ensure that this ill-thought out application is refused as it was last time.”
The Wokingham Paper has approached Gladman Developments and Luckley School for comment.
Further information on the campaign search for the Save Woodcray Countryside Campaign Group on Facebook or email: northernland@hotmail.co.uk
