Nearly 100 people have objected to an ‘undesirable’ development plan in Finchampstead.
Plans to build mostly affordable houses in a field on Longwater Road between Finchampstead and Eversley were first submitted to Wokingham Borough Council on June 20.
Developers have proposed a total of 40 homes, with at least 28 being affordable. They would have a mixture of one- to four-bedrooms.
As well as the formal objections, residents have further mobilised on Facebook, delivering leaflets, and have set up a meeting on July 23 at Finchampstead Memorial Hall.
A sign has also been erected at the entrance to the field, which says ‘say NO to 40 new houses here.’
Residents are concerned with the impact on nature and wildlife, traffic and the provision of local services.
They claim that locals are already struggling with getting GP appointments, and that the new estate won’t be easily accessed by public transport, meaning there will be more cars clogging the roads.
One resident wrote: “The size and scale of this is totally unsuitable for the area and simply local services and infrastructure won’t be able to cope.”
Cllr Charles Margetts, who represents the Finchampstead ward, highlighted that the council currently has no local plan or five-year land supply – a key contention that means applications can be more easily approved.
The Conservative councillor wrote: “Even with the tilted balance this application would do real harm to the area.
“There are many better, more sustainable sites where houses can be built in the borough.”
Those opposing the development will meet at Finchampstead Memorial Hall on July 23.
