Question
The Topic Paper Local Green Space, accompanying the Draft Local Plan Update, the site, “Land between Thames Valley Business Park and Napier Road” it states, “the site is not considered to be of particular local significance.” Successive attempts to build roads over this land adjacent to the River Thames have been frustrated by residents, who, like myself (having taken up wild swimming) recognise the value of this space.
In the 1980s, “Boot the Route” and in response to the MRT proposals, SOAR was formed. Thousands of people signed petitions objecting to the construction of the MRT. A public meeting was attended by hundreds of people, who voted against the road in an exit poll by a majority of 90%. Earley Town Council, The Whitegates Residents Association, ACER and the Berkshire Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust submitted objections. It was commented on that the number of objections received to these plans was unprecedented. At the public consultations held, the overwhelming majority of comments were against the MRT.
The description in the Topic Paper as, “the site is not considered to be of particular local significance” is incorrect. Will they ask the officers to substitute a statement that reflects the local significance of this site?
Minutes:
Question
The Topic Paper Local Green Space, accompanying the Draft Local Plan Update, the site, “Land between Thames Valley Business Park and Napier Road” it states, “the site is not considered to be of particular local significance.” Successive attempts to build roads over this land adjacent to the River Thames have been frustrated by residents, who, like myself (having taken up wild swimming) recognise the value of this space.
In the 1980s, “Boot the Route” and in response to the MRT proposals, SOAR was formed. Thousands of people signed petitions objecting to the construction of the MRT. A public meeting was attended by hundreds of people, who voted against the road in an exit poll by a majority of 90%. Earley Town Council, The Whitegates Residents Association, ACER and the Berkshire Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust submitted objections. It was commented on that the number of objections received to these plans was unprecedented. At the public consultations held, the overwhelming majority of comments were against the MRT.
The description in the Topic Paper as, “the site is not considered to be of particular local significance” is incorrect. Will they ask the Officers to substitute a statement that reflects the local significance of this site?
Answer
As previously mentioned, the Draft Local Plan consultation undertaken early last year provided an opportunity for everyone to express their views on what we got right, what we did not get right and things that we could improve on.
Through the consultation various views were expressed regarding the assessment of the areas promoted for consideration as Local Green Spaces. We have received a significant number of additional promotions as I mentioned earlier to Helen of over 100.
With regard to the Kennet Mouth area some responses provided additional information and some now have promoted a much wider area which incorporates the river frontage and the area north of Thames Valley Park. These will be considered as we move forward in updating our assessments and producing the next version of the local plan for consultation later this year.
As previously mentioned it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the merits of any additional proposal outside of the formal process but I can assure you, as I did Helen in my explanation earlier, that all respondents will be considered and all the information will be taken into consideration when we form our views.
Supplementary Question
Thank you for explaining again about the proposal of the larger area from Sonning to Kennet Mouth which creates a stronger case. Would you personally support protection within the planning framework for the area proposed by Earley Environmental Group, that covers the existing and much valued green space from Sonning to Kennet Mouth? This joining with the riverside within the Reading boundaries creates a 3-mile green corridor, stretching from Sonning to Reading that is so important for people and wildlife alike. If the Councillor feels that it would be inappropriate to reveal his position on the subject at the moment can he say when he will be able to do so?
Supplementary Answer
I do not know if you have reviewed my credentials on the MRT, Dani? I think if you would go back and look at the Planning Committee meetings, I led the march on not allowing the MRT. So, I think that says a huge amount about my personal view, but I obviously cannot say one way or the other, but I think I have given you a good lead into where I stand.