Scores of residents turned out to sessions organised to help stop 200 new homes on a green field.
The Say NO to 200 homes in Hurst campaign gave residents guidelines on how to object to the outline planning application for land at Lodge Road.
The guidelines say the homes would mean losing biodiversity, a corridor which wildlife travels along and over 140 metres of hedgerows.
They claim the plan risks more flooding and sewerage problems. And they’re predicting about 480 more residents and also at least 400 more cars on local roads.
A total of 134 people went to the information sessions at St Nicholas Primary School, Hurst last Friday and on Saturday. Parish Council chairman Wayne Smith said: “We’ve had a very good turn out. The fact sheets give possible views on the plan. I would urge people to write in with their views.”
Jasmeet Kaur, just moved to Hurst from the centre of Reading, said at Friday’s session: “We oppose [the plan] and want to learn more about the implications and what we can do.”
Mark Wilkin loves the area’s wildlife. He said: “Without this [undeveloped] land we wouldn’t have as much wildlife. Now, we see deer, owls and woodpeckers.”
He has 19 bird feeders and many nest boxes in his garden.
Parish councillor Alastair Lyon said: “There’s a reason the half-marathon and the bikeathon come through Hurst. Hurst means a lot to the borough because of its rural nature,” he said.
The campaign’s online page is at https://www.facebook.com/savehurst
Comments on the application, number 220458, can be made at Wokingham Borough Council’s website https://planning.wokingham.gov.uk by April 1.
