One of Reading’s MP’s has come out against a controversial plan to build 223 homes at Reading Golf Course.

The most recent plan for the vacated golf course, located off Kidmore End Road in Emmer Green, is set to be decided next week (Wednesday, March 2).

Matt Rodda, Labour MP for Reading East has spoken against the plan arguing loss of trees and wildlife would be an ‘absolute tragedy’ and the development would add to traffic congestion in Caversham.

Mr Rodda also opposed the previous plan for 257 homes for the Golf Course, which was refused by Reading Borough Council.

READ MORE: Fate of 223 home plan for Reading golf course to be decided 

Explaining why he opposed the scheme in comments to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Mr Rodda said:  “My view is still the same. I am opposed to both the planning applications because of the effect on nearby residents and also because of the large amount of traffic and pollution it is likely to create.

“Each proposed property is likely to have two cars adding to the traffic on roads like Peppard Road and in Caversham Village centre where there are already severe traffic and pollution problems.

“The traffic would also create more carbon dioxide emissions at a time when the Government and Reading Borough Council are trying to tackle the climate emergency.

“There is plentiful brownfield land in Reading with the local plan identifying almost enough land to build all the homes that are predicted to be needed until 2036.

Many of the sites being developed include family homes, such as those in the Caversham Road area at the former Cox and Wyman site.”

Mr Rodda recently met with residents in Emmer Green to discuss their concerns.

In a video produced by Mr Rodda’s team, he said loss of trees would be an "absolute tragedy."

The developers Fairfax and Reading Golf Club declined to comment.

Previously, a spokesperson for the developers argued the development would bring much needed affordable and family homes to Reading, which has been requested by leading councillors.

The spokesperson said: “Ninety per cent of the new properties are the exact type of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom family homes with gardens that Reading Borough Council is demanding must be built in the Borough.”

READ MORE: More flats and homes built than required in Reading over last three years  

Of the 223 homes proposed, 67 would be affordable.

Of those 12 four-bedroom homes and four three-bedroom homes would be affordable by shared ownership, and two four-bedroom homes and 11 three-bedroom homes would be made affordable through social rent.

Ian Morgan, a member of the Keep Emmer Green campaign, provided a picture to the LDRS showing severe traffic congestion in the area at 9.30am on February 9.

Reading Chronicle: Heavy traffic in Caversham, taken at 9.30am on February 9. Credit: Ian MorganHeavy traffic in Caversham, taken at 9.30am on February 9. Credit: Ian Morgan

The most recent plan was recommended for approval by council planning officer Matt Burns, on the provision that, among other things, the developers pay the council to make appropriate changes to the junction of Peppard Road, Prospect Street, Henley Road and Westfield Road and the junction of  Peppard Road, Kiln Road and Caversham Park Road.

A council natural environment officer recommended that tree planting will

exceed tree removals to result in a ‘net gain’ of trees on site.