A couple have won the right to replace their bungalow in Woodley with two new homes.

Applicants David and Carol Row applied to replace 99 Colemansmoor Road, a roofed bungalow, with two new three-bedroom semi-detached homes contained within one building.

But concerns were raised about construction traffic and access to the new homes, which will be provided by an existing private road which runs off Colemansmoor Road.

Neighbour Andy McKinnon, speaking on behalf of neighbours, said: “It’s a private road, part of the estate, with all residents paying for the upkeep and lighting.” 

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Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey (Liberal Democrats, Winnersh) asked whether the new residents could be made to join the residents’ association so that they can pay for the upkeep of the private road.

Planning officer Baldeep Pulahi replied that negotiations would have to take place between current residents and the applicant for that to happen.

A concern was also raised over the construction traffic required to build the house.

Mr McKinnon said: “We’re not objecting to the development per se, our main objection is the increased construction traffic no one planned for.”

Cllr Bill Soane (Conservative, Loddon) asked whether the bus stop immediately in front of 99 Colemansmoor Road would have to be relocated.

He said construction traffic for the nearby Loddon Gardens development had caused “considerable chaos”.

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Officer Pulahi and Chris Easton, the council’s highways development management officer replied that any construction issues would have to be resolved in a construction management plan provided by the applicant.

Cllr Carl Doran (Independent, Bulmershe & Whitegates) asked whether the height of the new building would be in keeping with others nearby.

Officer Pulahi admitted that the new house would be ‘clearly taller’ than those to its west, but the design of the homes complement those on the Loddon Gardens development, which is made up of 17 homes.

Reading Chronicle: Sketches of what the new house, which will provide two three-bedroom homes will look like at 99 Colemansmoor Road, Woodley. Credit: David And Carol RowSketches of what the new house, which will provide two three-bedroom homes will look like at 99 Colemansmoor Road, Woodley. Credit: David And Carol Row

The new homes will also be located next to the White Lake Gardens development, made up of three-storey homes.

The plan for the replacement homes was approved by Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, January 12.

You can see how the meeting unfolded in the tweet coverage below:

Eight councillors voted for approval, with Cllr Soane, the local member for the area, abstaining.

It now means applicants David and Carol Row can build the new house building, which will be 4.5 metres tall.

The layout of both homes will be identical, with the third bedroom provided in the loft. 

A total of five parking spaces will be provided for the new occupants.