RESIDENTS have forced the council into changing its plans for the second phase of the Winnersh Relief Road project.

The main changes include moving one of the two new roundabouts on Reading Road further away from residential properties, changes to pedestrian crossings, a new right turn lane into Sadlers Lane and a modification to the positioning of a traffic island opposite Green Lane.

These alterations came after almost 100 residents submitted letters of observation to the council about these plans

Councillor Anthony Pollock, executive member for transport and highways, said: “We would like to express our appreciation to those who took the time to provide us with valuable feedback to allow us to make these improvements to our application for this new relief road.

“Winnersh Relief Road, part of our major new highways project, is just one aspect of the infrastructure the council is putting in place, as well new schools, sports facilities, community centres, parks and open spaces, to support our growing borough.

“We welcome further feedback from all our local residents and businesses, and would be grateful to receive any additional comments in respect of these amendments to our application by September 24.”

Public consultation began in April after plans were submitted in March.

Wheatfield Primary School were one of the respondents to the consultation, submitting an observation that covered a range of points.

It read: “The current pedestrian crossing at Woodward Close offers a convenient and safe point for parents and children to cross when walking, scooting or cycling to school.

“There is concern that the relocation of a 'like-for-like' toucan crossing will be less convenient and therefore increase the number of parents who drive their children to school.

“External pressure resulting in increased car use will make it difficult to successfully implement the School Travel Plan, which encourages walking, scooting or cycling.”

The school also concerns about the effect increased traffic will have on students arriving on time once the school is filled to capacity in 2020.

In addition, Reading Cycle Campaign (RCC) submitted an objection to the proposals, claiming the absence of a safe cycle crossing in the plans violated national and local planning policies.

The RCC’s letter read: “The proposed scheme includes shared-use cycle/footways along the existing A329 Reading Road.

“People walking and cycling have no controlled crossing facilities across the new WRR2 at the roundabout.

“The WRR2 is expected to take much of the traffic from the A329, so there will be a constant stream of traffic along it.

“Crossing it will be very difficult, especially during rush hours, so the WRR2 will be a major severance of a well-used existing cycle/footway”.

After consultation finishes in late September, the application will be voted on by Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC) planning committee in the following months.

The plans are available to view online or in person at WBC’s offices at Shute End.