PLANS TO build a new Lidl store, as well as 40 new homes in Lower Earley are to be submitted, following a public consultation period.

However, councillors and residents alike are showing opposition to the idea, in a bid to protect the wildlife and green space of the area.

Lower Earley Properties launched a digital consultation on plans for the new store and homes on Wednesday, January 13, claiming to create 100% affordable housing with a mix of rent and buy homes, 'hundreds' of jobs, fast charging ports for electrical vehicles, and new pedestrian and cycle links in the area.

ALSO READ: More than 700 people sign petition after trees cut down in meadow

Andy Jansons, Managing Director of parent company Jansons Property, commented: “We’re delighted to announce our plans to create hundreds of new jobs and deliver 40 much needed homes.

“Given the difficulties of 2020, we think our plans will provide a real boost to the local economy, whilst helping those who are struggling to either rent or buy in the local area."

Mr Jansons detailed that the company will be holding a virtual public consultation on January 28, from 5.30pm to 7pm.

He added: “We look forward to engaging with the local community and stakeholders, before submitting a planning application in the coming months.”

Despite the proposals, hundreds of residents have already petitioned against the plans in a bid to save the site's flora and fauna, as well as the culture of the area.

The 'Save Swallows Meadow' petition was launched yesterday evening, January 14, and has already amassed more than 300 signatures.

A previous petition, urging Lower Earley Properties to not build on the site (released prior to the announcement of the latest plans) gained more than 1,200 signatures at the time, after the company had cut down a number of trees in the woodland space and fenced off the area.

ALSO READ: More than 1000 signatures raised after woodland site fenced off and trees cut down

Cllr Clive Jones, Lib Dem leader for Earley, said: "I don't want 40 houses and a supermarket to be built on Swallows Meadow.

"I want the area to be left as it is, green open space for residents to enjoy. The more that local residents say this the better.

"In my opinion we don't need another 40 houses here and we don't need another supermarket."

For more information on the potential build, visit lowerearleyplans.co.uk/. To sign the petition, visit www.wokinghamlibdems.org.uk/meadow.