PLANS to demolish two workshops and build two homes on the land have been opposed by a Reading MP.
Matt Rodda says the proposals for land on the South Oxfordshire border could set a precedent, leading to more homes being built on green spaces in the area.
Known as The Piggeries, South Oxfordshire County Council is currently consulting on the plans, which were submitted in the middle of last month.
The homes would be built on land close to the Bugs Bottom park, surrounded by trees and have their own private gardens. There would be six parking spaces on site.
Residents have been expressing concerns on the planning portal of South Oxfordshire Council.
One said that the application site was in an unsustainable location. Being in a quiet country lane, there were no footpaths or street lights.
“Given the steepness of Gravel Hill, in both directions, it would also be very difficult to cycle to nearby amenities,” they noted, adding that the transport report for the site was “clearly inaccurate”.
They also had concerns with the designs of the replacement buildings.
The Piggeries, they said, were typical single-storey farm buildings with corrugated roofs and no large windows. The proposed homes would be up to three-and-a-half storeys in places and “out of character” with the surrounding area.
Another said that the area around the Piggeries had been subject to flooding and wanted to know how the development would improve the situation.
A third said that in winter, the hill froze for days, while gritting lorries were unable to “negotiate the narrow lane”.
Reading East MP Matt Rodda has sympathy with the residents, saying the Piggeries was located in the Chilterns and any development could lead to further such applications being submitted.
He has launched a survey on the proposals to find out how other residents feel.
“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,” he said.
“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’s survey can be seen at: mattroddamp.com/piggerydevelopment
