We mentioned in our last post that Fairfax and Reading Golf Club have been lobbying to get their land in South Oxfordshire included in the SODC Local Plan.
Gladman Developments have also been lobbying and are scheduled to speak at this month’s hearing to support two other areas of land bordering Emmer Green being included in the Local Plan. in total this amounts to 1405 proposed dwellings within Emmer Green and its surroundings. These sites are:
Land off Peppard Road near the Water Tower in Emmer Green
This is an area of 13.48 ha covering three fields currently used for agriculture. The proposal is for up to 245 dwellings.
This is the very same piece of land for which planning was refused in February 2019.
Land at Playhatch
This is an area of 41 ha covering one large agricultural field. The proposal is for 550 new homes. The land runs adjacent to Caversham Park Road from Emmer Green to the Henley Road opposite the garden centre.
Both developers, RGC/Fairfax and Gladman, argue that the SODC Local Plan spatial strategy is not sound and that the lands they are promoting for inclusion would improve the soundness of the plan.
RBC’s Response
On the other hand, Reading Borough Council (RBC) have made a representation to the SODC Local Plan Examination stating that RBC “considers that the [SODC] spatial strategy is an appropriate strategy for meeting the identified needs whilst protecting the environment”.
"RBC also notes that any shortfall in meeting its housing requirement has to be met by other Berkshire authorities, not SODC”
RBC goes on to say “As far as Reading Borough Council is concerned, the strategic allocations in the [SODC] Local Plan as submitted are well-chosen and in the right locations. The Council does not wish to comment further on the strategic allocations in the plan”.
The Government Inspector will consider the evidence and report back to SODC with a decision on the Local Plan along with any recommendations.
Hearings
The Government Inspector hearings will start on 14 July 2020 and are scheduled to last for four weeks. After that it will take a number of months before the inspector’s decision is known.
To summarise, in addition to the imminent planning application for 260 dwellings on Reading Golf Club land in Reading Borough, Fairfax are attempting to get the Golf Club land in South Oxfordshire included in the SODC Local Plan on which up to 350 homes are proposed, with Gladman also attempting to get two local sites in South Oxfordshire included in the SODC Local Plan.
This amounts to a ‘catastrophic’ number of 1,405 new homes which could be built in Emmer Green and the surrounding communities.
We will continue to follow these unwelcome plans very closely and will keep you informed when any further information is available.
If you would like to view or download these latest submissions relating to the Inspector’s Examination of SODC Local Plan ‘Matter 5 – is the special strategy sound’ then click on the links below:
If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
CAGE are also aware of these plans, and you can have a look at their website here.
