More details have emerged that could see significant alterations to a major road junction in Finchampstead.
At last month’s full council meeting, Cllr Rebecca Margetts said she was aware of discussions between Finchampstead Parish Council and Wokingham Borough Council to change the old war memorial junction in the village, which she said would include road closures.
She said: “None of the elected borough councillors have seen sight of these plans, and nor have we been included in any discussions about this junction change.
“Please could I ask that you provide us with the details of plans for the scheme, and the works involved, and consult us on it?”
She was promised a written answer to her question, which has now been provided.
An officer told her: “Wokingham Borough Council was commissioned by Finchampstead Parish Council to look at options to improve the junction where the old war memorial was previously located.
“The parish consulted the residents on moving the memorial and improving the junction in the summer of 2021.”
Cllr Margetts noted that the consultation focused on the relocation of the memorial, and not on the remodelling of the junction itself. The results have not been made public.
The officer added: “Once the war memorial was relocated using its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money from developers, the Parish commissioned WBC to look at options to improve the junction, and for them to produce a detailed design for the preferred option they selected.
“The parish has now agreed to fund the construction of the junction using their CIL money, so WBC is in the process of getting this added to the capital programme.
“Based on this, it is expected the construction works will start in Spring/Summer 2026, but that date will be refined through the various stages of procurement.”
Planned options for the junction seen by Wokingham Today include changes to the road priority, carriageway widening, and the potential introduction of a mini-roundabout – although the latter was described as being the least favoured option.
A speed limit reduction is also being considered.
The initial plans have been created by WSP, the company responsible for the nearby California crossroads redevelopment that has drawn national coverage.
Cllr Margetts told Wokingham Today: “We are supportive of the parish council’s improvement of this junction.
“It has worked hard to develop the scheme to improve the junction and is funding this.
“We would like to see a full consultation, so that residents can have their say as this scheme will inevitably bring road closures, which will disrupt residents, and it is important that they have their say to ensure the best result for Finchampstead.
“It is also important that this work is coordinated, so it does not occur at the same time as the Barkham solar farm works, and the Finchampstead road closures associated with the southern distributor roadworks.
“It is concerning that Finchampstead borough councillors have not been consulted or involved in the design of this scheme at any point.”
