PLANS for 223 new homes on Reading Golf Course have been announced in an attempt to create a "positive community".

Vistry Group’s detailed plans for 223 new homes on the site in Emmer Green were approved by Reading Borough Council’s planning applications committee last month, subject to the completion of an updated planning agreement.

The housebuilder bought the land off Kidmore End Road last year and will be building 156 private homes under its Bovis Homes and Linden Homes brands as well as providing 67 affordable properties for local people.

According to Vistry Group, the development will include "ecological improvements", with plans to plant 209 native trees.

Hedgehog highways will be provided by creating gaps in fencing to allow hedgehogs to roam freely, while bird and bat boxes and hedgehog houses will also be installed, as well as log piles and bat sensitive lighting to provide suitable habitats for wildlife. 

Marketing manager for Vistry Thames Valley, Alix Laflin, said: “We have carefully designed the new homes we’re planning to build on the former Reading Golf Club site to ensure they are a positive addition to the local community."

The majority of homes on site will be provided with electric vehicle charging points and 81 properties will be heated by air source heat pumps.

Despite the benefits outlined by Vistry Group, residents have shared their concerns about the redevelopment.

Peter Pratt said it is a case of "profit before the environment".

On the other hand, one resident said the redevelopment is a good idea: "This is good news for anyone who wants to move to Emmergreen. It's a great place to live. Hopefully the developers will assist with children play areas too".

Construction of the new homes is due to start in mid-Summer this year, along with the first properties to be released for sale.