Thousands of angry Barkham residents have signed a petition to open up a debate about house building in the area.

The petition, fronted by resident Graeme Dexter, hopes to ‘facilitate a debate’ about the increased building in Barkham.

A document presented to Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) read: “There is considerable unease about how the borough is managing excessive development.

“The overwhelming view was enough is enough.

“Residents’ views (are) overlooked. We were constantly told we were wasting our time because (the) borough does not listen, (the) borough does not care, (the) borough has its own agenda.”

The petition letter claimed that an extra 1,000 homes being built in Barkham would “treble its size” and further complicate traffic problems.

It also commented on how new building would disrupt the rural character of the area, and that the creation of new living space could potentially mean Arborfield and Barkham are combined.

The letter addresses the leader of the council, reading: “Charlotte Haitham Taylor, as leader you have been quoted many times as wanting the borough to be seen as listening to residents – this is now a great opportunity to respond and deliver what you are promoting in the vision plan.”

Petition leaders made three demands to the council, asking it to prove it can successfully manage the three year land supply, deliver a balanced approach to housing without “destroying” the countryside, and also address the people of Barkham with “genuine solutions, not wishful aspirations.”

Barkham Parish Council helped to organise the petition, which was demonstrated to councillors at a meeting in late September.

WBC has been contacted for comment.