Concerns over construction traffic loom over a controversial project to build more than 200 homes at a former golf course in Caversham.
A project to build 223 homes at the old Reading Golf Course off Kidmore End Road was given planning permission in March, despite thousands of objections from residents.
Neighbours said they were particularly worried about the amount of construction traffic that will be introduced to Caversham roads as the project starts. It will be run by developers Vistry.
The serious concerns of residents were raised in a question by Cllr Simon Robinson (Conservative, Emmer Green) at a full council meeting held last month.
“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 among 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 said.
He went on to call for developers to use a one-way route for the construction traffic to limit disruption.
Details of the construction were laid out in a Construction Method Statement (CMS) submitted by Vistry. This includes an agreement with the council to create a Temporary Traffic Restriction Order (TTRO) – 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.
“Residents in Emmer Green remain extremely worried about what is shortly to begin literally on their doorsteps,” he said, calling on 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 Cllr John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for transport.
He said the council cannot dictate what routes construction crews take to get to the site.
“Neither the highway nor the planning authority have the power to impose specific routes on the developer,” he said.
However, he added the council has suggested alternative routes to and from the site which can be used by the developer.
Cllr Ennis went on to say the TTRO has only recently been agreed by Vistry and the council.
This introduces a passing place where the road would be narrowed, rather than having temporary traffic lights or stop-and-go boards.
“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,” he said.
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.
