One of the MPs for Reading is opposing a plan to build two new homes on the outskirts of Caversham.

Applicant Wayne Courtnage has submitted a plan to demolish two workshops and replace them with two five bedroom homes at The Piggery in Gravel Hill.

The site falls in South Oxfordshire is right on the border with Caversham.

The plan is being opposed by Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, because of its proximity to Reading.

READ MORE: MP to run Reading Half Marathon to raise money for Ukraine appeal

Mr Rodda explained: “Our countryside is under enormous pressure from development and I am opposing this application because it could set a precedent for houses to be built in South Oxfordshire right next to the edge of Reading.

“The proposed houses at the Piggeries would develop green land next to Gravel Hill where local residents walk their dogs and enjoy the countryside and I hope the planning inspector will see the importance of protecting this site for our community.”

Mr Rodda is running a survey on the development which you can respond to here. 

A previous application (reference P21/S0897/ND1) to build six apartments contained within two buildings was withdrawn last year.

The Keen Partnership, Mr Courtnage’s  planning agents, have argued various improvements have been made to the newest application compared with the withdrawn one, which include reducing the amount of residences on the site to respond to concerns expressed about the amount of traffic coming to and from it.

The new homes would each have two car parking spaces and bicycle storage as well.

You can view and  comment on the existing application in this link here: https://data.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P22/S0339/ND1

A consultation on the application is currently being undertaken on the South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning website.