Local residents formed a campaign group called Save Our Blagrove Countryside! met on Friday 22nd July 2022 to walk through the countryside land that could be transformed into a housing estate of 375 homes.
The proposed housing development by Berkeley Homes is proposed to take place alongside Viking Field and the land west of Blagrove Lane, Wokingham.
At the meeting an introduction by the Save our Blagrove Countryside Chair, Ian Andrews explained how the development could destroy the rural feel on that side of Wokingham, the crowd made their way through Lesley Sears field and out onto Blagrove Lane and Doles Lane. Coincidentally as if to emphasise what may be lost if the development went ahead, a Roe Deer appeared in one of the meadows proposed for concreting over, within full view of everybody as they walked along Blagrove Lane. Many were surprised at the development’s size and scale. The overwhelming feeling from everybody present was that they had to fight the development and protect the countryside and wildlife.
The Next Event
If you missed this event and would like to participate in our next one – it’s going to be at 4:00 pm on Sunday 7th August 2022. Everyone is welcome!
Background
( Source http://evendons-area.org.uk)
- 375 homes, 900 people approx.
- 40% of homes are affordable. Of those, 70% of those affordable rents (which typically means approx. 80% of the market rate), 30% shared ownership
- 2 storey houses with gardens
- Main access off Barkham road, near Leathern Bottle. BH is aware of some trees under TPO and will try and come through where more recently trees were seeded,
- Further access off Blagrove Lane at the 5-bar gate near 30 miles an hour. Secondary access.
- The east side of the development (adjacent to Viking Field) has not yet decided how they would want access.
- Want to divert bus route from Barkham Road to the development.
- The west side (land that backs onto Doles Lane) – contains the majority of housing; Berkey Homes propose to add a community building.
- Recognise that around the electricity substation is ancient woodland, so no houses, but flooding mitigation instead.
- Berkley Homes working towards a Biodiversity net gain
- Proposing that the 60mph section of Blagrove Lane be closed to vehicles/ open only for cycling and pedestrians
The above information is unverified by Mywokingham
Promoted Businesses in Wokingham
Keep our community alive use local businesses