Traffic concerns over Reading Golf Course homes raised

A project to build 223 homes at the old Reading golf course off Kidmore End Road in Caversham is going ahead despite thousands of objections from residents.

Neighbours are particularly worried about the amount of construction traffic that will be introduced to Caversham roads as drivers bring building materials to the site.

Plans by developers Vistry for how construction at the golf course would take place were approved at a planning meeting in March.

The serious concerns of residents were raised in a question by councillor Simon Robinson (Conservative, Emmer Green) at a full council meeting.

Cllr Robinson said: “Given the imminent initial construction phase of more than 220 homes on the Reading Golf Club in Emmer Green and the continuing – indeed, increasing – concerns amongst nearby residents living in Kidmore End Road and the surrounding area over what they believe will be inevitable safety and heavy congestion issues arising from the construction traffic, Emmer Green Ward councillors are asking the council to do all within its power to minimise such problems.”

He went on to call for developers to use a one-way circuit route for the construction traffic to limit disruption for drivers.

Details of the construction were laid out in a Construction Method Statement (CMS) submitted by Vistry.

The CMS involved making an agreement with the council to create a Temporary Traffic Restriction Order (TTRO), which is the legal process used to temporarily stop or limit vehicles or pedestrians on the highway.

During a discussion of the CMS in March, cllr Robinson unsuccessfully called for a decision on it to be deferred for more detailed planning.

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Cllr Robinson added: “Residents in Emmer Green remain extremely worried about what is shortly to begin literally on their doorsteps.”

He then called for the council’s Labour administration to say what decisions have been made, consider his suggestion of a one-way circuit route to the site, and explain why Emmer Green councillors have not been contacted by the administration so they can inform the people they represent.

His question was answered by John Ennis (Labour, Southcote) lead councillor for transport.

Cllr Ennis stated the council cannot dictate what routes construction crews take to get to the site.

He said: “Neither the highway nor the planning authority have the power to impose specific routes on the developer.”

However, he did add that the council has suggested alternative routes to and from the site which can be used by the developer.

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Cllr Ennis went on to say the TTRO has only recently been agreed by Vistry and the council.

The TTRO introduces a passing place where the road would be narrowed, rather than having temporary traffic lights or stop-and-go boards.

Cllr Ennis said: “Both these methods are likely to have a far greater impact on congestion within the vicinity of the site as they would require multi-phasing of the said method of control, therefore, increasing any delays.”

Finally, he said that Conservative Emmer Green councillors have not been contacted so far due to the TTRO and CMS recently being agreed.

The exchanges between the councillors took place at a full meeting of Reading Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, June 27.

Construction work is due to begin in the coming weeks.