Published: Friday, 26th September, 2008 12:52pm

Protesting to protect haven

by Annabel Williams

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Hear our voice: Neighbours gather to fight the plan for homes.
Pic by: Robin Farrington

FURIOUS residents have mounted a campaign against the "pure greed" which could see homes built on a green haven.

Scores of neighbours living near a soon-to-be decommissioned underground reservoir in Reading's Bath Road gathered on Monday night to send a message to Thames Water.

In December the water company revealed it wanted to sell the 5.4 acre site for housing and staged a series of public consultations.

But residents organised a petition against any development because the area's peaceful atmosphere and wildlife gives it a rural feeling in the middle of a built-up town.

Now developers Kennet Properties have put in an outline planning application for 101 homes on 4.2 acres.

Andrew Rawlinson and Emma Tough have lived together in Western Road for just over a year, and Mr Rawlinson said: "Our first morning here, we looked out of the window and saw a deer poking its head out of the trees.

"All that's going to be ripped apart.

"We signed the petition and sent in letters, but Thames Water don't care what people think, they're just cramming as many houses in as possible.

"It'll ruin the community."

Norcot ward councillor and borough council leader Jo Lovelock said: "What really annoys me about this one is that Thames Water have gone against planning brief, which recommends 80 homes, and completely ignored people's views. It's greed, pure and simple."

Thames Water spokeswoman Anita Kharbanda said the site was earmarked for development in 1996.

The company has instructed consultants, including an ecologist, to investigate and monitor the wildlife.

*Application details are at www.reading.gov.uk, click on planning applications. The closing date for letters is Friday, October 3.

What do you think about the plans? Does Reading need homes on the site? Or should it stay as a green space? Have your say below and send letters to letters@readingchronicle.co.uk. The letter of the week will win £20 of Lidl vouchers.