PROPOSALS to open a round the clock taxi rank in Earley have been slammed by neighbouring businesses.

The plans have been submitted to Wokingham Borough Council to turn the building in Cutbush Court into a taxi control centre.

A consultation period was launched on December 2 and neighbours have until the end of the month to submit their views on the proposals.

The proposed development, which contains a canteen, an office and a reception area, will make use of the 12 car parking spaces which exist outside the building.

But two neighbouring businesses have objected to the proposals, citing their concerns about cars driving in and out the area 24 hours-per-day.

In response to the borough council's consultation, Jamie Raggett from Drivers Direct Recruitment told planning officers why the plans should be rejected.

He said: "There will be increased car movements in a already restricted area, as well as working 24 hours a day. There is no CCTV set up on the estate and the noise of cars constantly driving in and out of the car park."

Kerry Bradley, of Sasola, an IT firm which operates from Cutbush Court, added: "Impractical to use the area as a taxi control centre due to limited parking. There is no through route and not designed for continuous access. There will be an increased number of vehicles coming and going which will continuously increase noise disturbances."

Earley residents, how long do you have to wait normally for a taxi? Would you be happy to have a control centre closer to home? Send your thoughts to news@readingchronicle.co.uk or call 01189553311