Reservoir housing plan withdrawn
Published 1 Dec 2008 16:00
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A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build 100 homes on a historic wildlife have has been withdrawn.
But celebrations could be shortlived because there are plans to submit another application nest year.
Thames Water owns the reservoir site in Reading's Bath Road and had applied for permission to build 102 flats in a move opposed by hundreds of neighbours.
Amy Dutton, a spokeswoman for Thames Water subsidiary Kennet Properties, said: "Naturally we are disappointed with the delay there will be before our proposals for the site can be considered by the council's planning committee. However, we are committed to ensuring the best possible scheme is brought forward for this site, which has been allocated for housing development in the council's Local Plan since 1996."
Protesters from Save The Bath Road Reservoir collected around 1,300 signatures on a petition against the development and encouraged around 200 people to write to the council.
Campaigner Sarah Hayter said: "It is fantastic that they have withdrawn it for now. I think it should be some kind of nature reserve or education centre. Just because it is the local plan does not mean it is right to redevelop it."
The 5.4 acre site above two underground water reservoirs is home to deer, sloe worms and other wildlife, as well as the Grade Two-listed water tower.
Campaigner Mel Woodward said: "We would now like Thames Water to completely reconsider their plans for this unique site, and come back with a proposal which recognises the need for open green space in the area, the biodiversity of the site, and the views and wishes of the local community."
There were plans to build on the site 11 years ago and the recent application has stirred up political debate over the role of different parties in historically supporting or opposing possible development.
Labour Reading West MP Martin Salter said: "Back in March I put forward a compromise proposal to Thames Water which would have allowed some development on the front of the site, where the existing buildings are located, but retained the land at the rear as a wildlife reserve.
"Stupidly Thames Water rejected this idea in favour of trying to cram as many homes on to the land as possible."
Conservative parliamentary candidate Alok Sharma is "delighted" but he said: "We know that Kennet Properties will try again next year to push another proposal forward and the battle to save the reservoir site will continue. It really cannot be a case of development at any cost and local residents' views must be taken into account."
Visit www.savethebathroadreservoir.co.uk
What do you think about the plans? Have your say below.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 27 Nov 08
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