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The Local Plan - KEG Newsletter #15

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Reading’s Local Plan update

Following the examination process, the independent planning inspector submitted her final report on 24th September 2019.

Subject to a number of identified modifications (contained in the main modifications appendix) this found the Local Plan to be sound and legally compliant.

KEG’s comments

The Reading Local Plan covering the period to 2036 has now been finalised by the Planning Inspector and is expected to be approved by the Council in November 2019. The only area of land included in the plan that is significant to Emmer Green is part of Reading Golf Club.

In particular, it is an area of 3.75 hectares (9.25 acres) that is at present occupied by the clubhouse, the car park and approximately 50% of the fairways of the 1st and 18th holes.

The plan acknowledges that this area could accommodate between 90 and 130 houses, a public open-space, a healthcare facility and a car park. The plan also states that a legal agreement will be necessary to ensure that the golf function is retained and development will not take place until a replacement clubhouse is provided and vehicular access from suitable roads is in place.

The 3.75 hectare site is planned to be delivered in the latter part of the plan period from 2026 onwards. The Local Plan also:-

  • Identifies a shortfall of just 230 homes for Reading until 2036, a number which is so small as to not need any large-scale developments in Emmer Green

  • Notes the lack of healthcare in the Caversham and Emmer Green area

  • Confirms that suitable roads should be used to access the area to be retained for golf

  • Requires that the traffic impact on Tanners Lane should be mitigated BUT . . . Reading Golf Club have made it clear that that the Plan does not affect their decision to relocate to Caversham Heath and have confirmed that they intend to vacate the whole of the Club land sometime between 31 October 2020 and 31 March 2021. They have given no indication of the plan for developing the course and have stated that this is a matter for the developers appointed by the Club.

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