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SHINFIELD residents have supported the University of Reading’s proposals for new sports facilities, community gardens and green spaces.
The university has released a full summary of findings from its consultation, which received more than 70 submissions online and at its consultation event on Saturday, January 28.
More than 100 people attended the meeting, in partnership with Shinfield Parish Council. Visitors included residents and representatives from clubs and community groups.
Some concerns were raised about the location of the ‘northern pitches’, traffic and parking issues and the improvement of active travel pathways across the parish.
The university’s vice-chancellor, Prof Robert Van de Noort, said: “Our work to deliver future sport and recreation facilities in Shinfield is entirely for the community, so it is important that we hear people’s views as we put plans forward.
“The feedback we have received has been incredibly valuable in helping us better understand the needs and wishes of the Shinfield community. We have listened to the comments and will respond accordingly where we can.
“I know that the proposed site for the northern pitches has received a lot of comments. We
recognise that this area, and other areas of open green space, are valued by the local community.
“Our next step will be to review the site and hold a workshop with relevant stakeholders to discuss alternative options for the location of sports pitches and open space in more detail. We will continue to engage with local people and there will be more opportunities to provide input to our plans in the future.”
The summary recognised a ‘strong desire’ for the open space where the northern pitches were proposed to be located to be protected and not used for the development of pitches. The current site will be reviewed alongside associated concerns.
A stakeholder workshop, featuring Shinfield councillors, residents who live close to the site, and local sports clubs, will be organised to discuss alternative locations for the northern pitches.
Invitations will be sent out shortly to arrange a suitable date and time.
Residents also asked how road congestion would be mitigated for the Manor Pavilion and High Copse Pavilion sites.
The university assessed the traffic impact associated with both locations at the time of the planning applications, with transport mitigation packages agreed.
These included improved walking, cycle and bus stop facilities in Shinfield, and contributing towards the delivery of the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road for Manor Pavilion.
The High Copse Pavilion facility required delivery of the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road, capacity enhancement at roundabouts within Shinfield, and also the provision of new bus services within Shinfield, Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross.
Questions surrounding the safety of cyclists on main roads and the number of cycle paths in Shinfield were raised by residents.
The university said it will work with Shinfield Parish Council on establishing a Shinfield Footpaths and Cycle Group, which will meet biannually to discuss active transport concerns.
It will also look to introduce further cycle paths across university land that act as shortcuts off the main road helping to improve safety for cyclists.
As part of the Millworth Lane Recreation Ground, the parish council is looking to bring about sports facilities which will increase variety, such as a running track, traverse climbing wall, fitness training, netball, padel and basketball courts, and table tennis tables.
Feedback for the Community Garden was very positive, with the parish council set to manage and maintain the site.
Cllr Ian Clarke, chair of Shinfield Parish Council’s recreation and amenities committee, said: “We are very grateful for the contributions from all those that took part in the consultation and we are working on a revised set of plans for Millworth Lane that takes those inputs into consideration.
“We support the decision to look again at the proposal for the northern pitches and look forward to being part of those discussions.
The full summary from the consultation can be found here: www.reading.ac.uk/about/local-community/shinfield-sport-recreation
