MATT RODDA, MP for Reading East, has voiced concerns after a meeting with residents, along with local councillors, about the development set for a site on Caversham Road.
Residents of Swansea road were consulted regarding the proposals to develop homes on the site of the now-closed Carters outdoor clothing and equipment shop.
The site on Caversham Road was home to the outlet since it moved there in 1962, but closed after nearly 200 years of business in and around Reading.
Bellway Homes has proposed to demolish the store and build around 60 new homes.
Residents of nearby Swansea Road have a number of concerns about the development, which Matt Rodda discussed at the meeting on Monday, October 24.
Mr Rodda wrote to the council on behalf of residents and detailed that many were worried about a range of concerns.
One concern was the removal of the tall warehouse wall which backs onto many of the gardens on Swansea Road, which he said residents were keen to ensure did not get demolished.
In the letter, he said “Residents have asked for a high wall to be maintained to protect the rear of their homes and gardens,” with many concerned about making their properties more accessible to burglars or intruders.
The wall is several meters high in many places, which protects the gardens from theft and also keeps residents’ privacy.
They were also concerned about parking, which they fear could become even more difficult following the development.
Residents are seeking assurances that enough parking will be provided for the new homes, which plans do not currently indicate is the case.
They are also seeking assurance that applications for permits to park in surrounding roads will “not normally be allowed,” and that visitor’s permits will be considered carefully.
This follows a survey which quizzed residents for their opinions, as well as a meeting attended by councillors discussing the proposals.
Mr Rodda said: “This is a major development and residents have understandable concerns about a number of issues.
” I hope the developer will listen carefully to these and change their plans to help residents.
“Parking, privacy and safety and the overall look of the site are important issues. In particular, I hope the developer will keep a tall brick wall at the back of gardens on Swansea Road to protect residents” privacy and security.”
