AS RESPONSES to the draft local plan consultation are being reviewed, a group of campaigners are making a stand against plans to redevelop Hall Farm.
On Saturday, members of Save Our Loddon Valley at Hall Farm (SOLVE Hall Farm) met with representatives of landowner, the University of Reading.
They have concerns over proposals to place 4,500 homes on the land as a new garden village.
Instead, SOLVE Hall Farm is calling for the university to adopt what they say would be a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to selling the land for housing development, not least as the university has already developed on nearby land to create the new Thames Valley Science Park.
Situated off Cutbush Lane, this incorporates the new Shinfield Studios complex, bringing Hollywood to Wokingham Borough.
Hall Farm has been included in the draft local plan after a proposal to build 15,000 homes in Grazeley was vetoed by the Ministry of Defence over its proximity to AWE in Aldermaston.
In its proposals, presented to pro-vice chancellor Dominic Zaum, SOLVE Hall Farm called for the university to create a community farm, and relocate some or all of the Museum Of English Rural life to the site. This, they say, would provide a sustainable alternative to cremation, aquamation, and would see the land used for extensive rewilding and carbon capture projects.
The protest included local election candidates from the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, and independent. All told the group they were opposed to the plan for houses at Hall Farm.
A spokesperson for the University of Reading said: “The University welcomes the views of our neighbours and we are grateful for their hard work in putting forward a range of ideas.
“We look forward to discussing these ideas with members of the group in more detail, in addition to further opportunities for engagement between the University and members of the local community.”
SOLVE Hall Farm’s proposals are available at: www.green4grow.org
