Residents are outraged at a university’s plan to ‘bulldoze’ a meadow in Reading to build two sports fields. 

The proposal, submitted to Wokingham Borough Council by the University of Reading, would see the development take place on land at Shinfield West, which currently comprises of a wildflower meadow. 

The planned site is located west of Hollow Lane and south of Church Lane and Hyde End Road, near to the approved Shinfield West development that will eventually see the construction of up to 1,200 homes with associated retail, leisure and community facilities, as well as a new primary school. 

Many objections have been lodged against the application, which would allow for the installation of two football pitches and a cricket pitch, with concerns being raised about the impact on wildlife, increased traffic and issues related to parking. 

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Local resident Laura Povey emphasised an “urgent need” to keep natural spaces within the community and “bulldozing this meadow” would be detrimental to wildlife species. 

Ms Povey said: “There are skylarks nesting on this piece of land that you are proposing to build upon. These birds have recently experienced a dramatic population decline and are a Red List species.  

“This piece of land is currently home to many other species of insects as well as other birds that are nesting in the area. This [development] will threaten the local species that we do have, and remove what little space is currently available [for] them to thrive in.” 

Another resident, Rebecca Shaw, highlighted that the proposed project would “impact my daily life significantly.” 

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“I am an autistic person and struggle with noise and too many people, hence living in a home that has open land in front of it.  

“I am greatly concerned about the noise, increased traffic and parking as the roads surrounding this field are lanes,” she added. 

The plans have been the subject of a public consultation ahead of a decision being made, however residents have been “astounded” that a fence had been erected around the area whilst the consultation period was on-going. 

Sunil Patel of nearby Bolton Drive added: “There is clearly more clarity needed on why there is a need for sport pitches when the local area already [has] these facilities.  

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“I would ask that all plans to start any work cease whilst the responses to the consultation are fully considered before a decision is made on the proposal.” 

There were also comments in favour of the plan submitted against the application, with Shinfield Parish Council supporting “the provision of additional […] pitches.” 

Resident Anantha Raju Tonachinakuppe Govindapp stated that he was “very happy” to support the proposal as the pitches are “much needed” in the area. 

The council will now make a final decision following the completion of the end of the consultation period.