PLANS to build a new single lane bus bridge over a natural beauty spot have been blasted by the local town council.
Two weeks ago, the Planning Committee of Earley Town Council debated the proposals to turn land immediately by the River Thames and the historic Kennetmouth into a £31 million road linking a new park and ride on land behind the Wokingham Riverside Centre and Reading’s railway station.
The plans have already been condemned by a pressure group SOAR (Save Our Ancient Riverside), The Environment Agency and Tesco, who would see part of its car park swallowed by the large road.
Although Reading Borough Council’s planning consultation ended earlier this month Wokingham Borough Council’s ended on Wednesday, May 23.
SOAR said that 762 trees will be removed and there will only be 77 replacements made.
READ MORE: Campaigners warn 1,000 trees at risk if transport plan goes ahead
Earley Town Council have requested to Wokingham Borough Council that its planning committee refuses the plans.
Its concerns are:
- That the design of the bridge was unsightly and little attention had been given to the area beneath the bridge.
- The environmental impact on the National Thames Path and the natural environment of the River Thames of the extra vehicles diverted to the area.
- The loss of wildlife habitat.
- That the western embankment (near the Tesco Store) would impede the floodplain, and it would be situated within a woodland area and would impact both ecology and the river.
- The viaduct on the Wokingham side was too close to the river, was not screened and would be too prominent.
And SOAR has revealed, on its Facebook page, that Tesco has sent objections to the plans on the Reading Borough Council side of the scheme.
In the letter, Tesco representative Miles Young refers to meetings held between the councils and the store.
He notes: “None of our client’s concerns have been fully resolved.
“These include highway safety, the operational impact of a loss of customer parking including how recycling will be provided within the site, details of construction impacts, nor detailed design including re-establishment of landscaped areas etc. Tesco also remains concerned about the potential impact of proposed flood mitigation works.”
The letter concludes: “Tesco’s objection must remain in force and shall do so until such time our client is satisfied the MRT proposal will not result in safety, design, landscape and flooding issues and ultimately is confirmed to be deliverable.”
The planning application can be found at wokingham.gov.uk and its application number is 172048. The closing date for comments was Wednesday, May 23.
