A PROPOSAL to axe noise cancelling fencing aimed at protecting Shinfield residents from a new road looks set to get the green light this week.
On Wednesday, Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee will be meeting to discuss a change in plan by Hochtief over the construction of the new Shinfield Eastern Relief Road.
Due to open at the end of this month, the new road will run alongside Arborfield Road, Cutbush Lane and Shinfield Road. The original plan has been to install the noise reduction fencing to protect residents whose homes will now be in view of the road.
But earlier in the summer, Hochtief submitted a report revealing that it felt it no longer needed to install the fence due to noise mitigation works it had undertaken while building the road, including installing a new, quieter road surface.
As planners note in the documents being brought to the Council’s committee when they meet at Shute End offices on Wednesday evening, “the applicant has demonstrated that acoustic fencing is not necessary” and “no acoustic fencing is required to the southern section of the ERR to mitigate the impacts of noise, as mitigation to the levels required in the Environmental Statement would be achieved through other measures, namely, a low noise surfacing material”.
It also notes that visual screening for the project will be via “extensive tree planting” including maples, oaks, wild cherry trees, alders and willows.
Despite receiving 85 objections to plans to axe the fence and an 82-signature petition, the planning team at Wokingham Borough Council noted in their report: “[We have] no substantive reason to challenge the conclusions of the Noise Impact Assessment and conclude that on the balance of evidence the noise barriers along the southern section of the ERR are not necessary to mitigate the noise impacts of the road.”
As we revealed last week, Shinfield Parish Council wants the fence to be built.
Cllr Peter Hughes, the parish council chair, said: “The parish council fully supports local residents in objecting to changes in the plans for acoustic fences to be replaced by a lower noise road surface.
“We understand these specialist road surfaces wear out faster than conventional surfaces.
“With dramatic increases anticipated in heavy goods vehicles using this road, this might be a short term saving for Hochtief, but who will pick up the bill when the road surface needs replacing?”
And Cllr Clive Jones, borough councillor for Hawkedon ward, also objects to the plans.
He said: “Residents will not be happy with the officers’ recommendation to allow Hotchief to get away with no acoustic fencing.”
Also at Wednesday’s Planning Meeting
Aldi & Costa
The Committee will be asked to approve plans for a new Aldi supermarket and drive-through Costa coffee shop to be built in the borough.
The Aldi store will be on Unit 21 of Suttons Business Park and would include new landscaping to the site.
There were three letters of objection from residents, and 23 in favour.
It is recommended for approval.
Arborfield Green
The next step in the development of Arborfield Garrison will be discussed.
Crest Nicholson is asking for permission to build 127 homes in land north of Biggs Lane and Princess Marina Drive, known as Parcel T in the development plan.
It is recommended for approval.
Land near Sandmartins golf course
An application has been made to convert agricultural land into equestrian use, including a stable block.
The meeting takes place from 7pm at Wokingham Borough Council’s offices in Shute End
