Published: Thursday, 17th July, 2008 11:30
Champagne's out as controversial development is shelved
By Alex Gore
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CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 7,500 new homes on one of Reading’s vital flood plains have been shelved.
Government minister for the South East Jonathon Shaw announced this morning that the proposal to develop Kennet Meadows will not be included in the South East Plan, a document outlining the Governments planning strategy for the next 20 years.
Residents, wildlife enthusiasts and politicians are just some of the people who have tirelessly campaigned to stop developers Prudential from building the proposed Kennet Valley Park.
Long time campaigner and amateur wildlife photographer Chris Giles, from Calcot, said: “This is a big step for the people of Reading. The Government have finally realised that it’s not viable to build on a flood plain.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic and I would like to say that Martin Salter has done a great job as have councillors Royce Longton and Pete Ruhemann, along with various others. Politicians usually don’t get the praise they deserve but they have all been fantastic.
“I have had my bottle of bubbly on hold for a while now and the time has finally come to crack it open and enjoy it. I am extremely pleased but I also want to build on this.
“We must use it as an opportunity to get full protection for the area and maybe create a Kennet and Avon wildlife centre and open up the whole of the Kennet Valley for people to come and enjoy. It’s a marvellous opportunity.
“If you go down there on a Saturday and Sunday the number of people walking, fishing and cycling is exceptional. It is great news but it must also be seen as a stepping stone. We must create an area where children from Reading can go and learn about wildlife and nature.”
Reading West MP Martin Salter presented a petition of 1,500 signatures to Parliament in April opposing the inclusion of the proposal in a report of recommendations for the South East Plan.
The recommendation have been ignored in the face of a report from the Environment Agency which says that such a development would create an increased flooding risk to thousands of properties in Reading.
Mr Salter said: “This is a massive victory for our campaign and justifies all the hard work and lobbying of recent months.
“Government ministers such as Jonathon Shaw and John Healey took time out to visit the area and see for themselves just how crazy it would have been to concrete over the Kennet Water Meadows which serve as natures natural flood reservoir, holding back any surplus water and keeping our town safe from the flooding that causes so much devastation elsewhere.”
Southcote councillor Pete Ruhemann, who has also been instrumental in the fight against the development, said: “The champagne corks will be popping tonight at this fantastic news.”
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