Labour councillors have voted FOR the development. The developer this evening also admitted that once access was improved in Reading Borough they would look to develop in to SODC as well. Councillors have confirmed to us that Reading Borough Council do not have any interest in residents north of the river, and will waive all damaging plans through. Unfortunately due to the geography of Caversham/ Emmer Green, councillors south of the river are not too concerned about being voted out due to approval of this development, which also demonstrates the problems of having individuals in power for too long on the committee.
The long list of S106/CIL payments by the developer (that will undoubtedly not be spent in Emmer Green) is testimony to the real damage that this will cause.
Councillor Mitchell was aware that the planning meeting was predetermined so has already requested that the application is called in by the Secretary of State for housing. We will be working with local community groups and our local councillors to get this application subjected to proper scrutiny which was sadly lacking.
Around 250 people joined our demonstration prior to the meeting on a particularly miserable evening, which included Reading Tree Wardens, Caversham Globe, KEG and EGRA members.
This sets a dangerous precedent for the development north of the river. We ask, what is the point of a local plan if the Council are not bothered to defend it? It would seem that the Plan is applied when it suits the Council.
Labour - (voted for)
Jo.Lovelock@reading.gov.uk
Ellie.Emberson@reading.gov.uk
John.Ennis@reading.gov.uk
Micky.Leng@reading.gov.uk
Ruth.McEwan@reading.gov.uk
Tony.Page@reading.gov.uk
karen.rowland@reading.gov.uk
Rose.Williams@reading.gov.uk
Liam.Challenger@reading.gov.uk
Conservative & Green (Voted Against)
Paul.Carnell@reading.gov.uk
Simon.Robinson@reading.gov.uk (abstained, stating that he was ‘predetermined’ - e.g. against)
Jane.stanford-beale@reading.gov.uk
Josh.Williams@reading.gov.uk
Unable to Attend (Liberal Democrats)
Ricky.Duveen@reading.gov.uk