University welcomes debate over Wokingham Local Plan Update

Wokingham Borough Council has published key documents outlining recommendations on a new Local Plan Update for the borough.

The proposed plan includes a recommendation to include Loddon Garden Village, a development of around 3,930 homes, open space and community facilities, between Shinfield and Arborfield, as well as a new publicly accessible country park.

Loddon Garden Village would include land at Hall Farm, Arborfield, belonging to the National Institute for Research in Dairying (NIRD) Trust – of which the University of Reading is trustee, with the farm used by Reading’s agriculture department – alongside adjoining land belonging to or represented by Hatch Farm and Gleeson Land.

A vote on the proposed Local Plan Update, which outlines future plans for development across the borough, including allocations for new homes, infrastructure and space for employment, will take place at a full meeting of Wokingham Borough Council on Thursday, 19 September. If approved, this would be followed by a period of community consultation.

Should councillors agree to proceed with the Local Plan Update consultation, and subject to approval by the University of Reading’s governing council, including acting in its capacity as NIRD Trustee, the University will gather views from local people and their representatives on the outline plans. This engagement would run alongside Wokingham Borough Council’s formal Local Plan Update consultation.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help change the future of Wokingham. These decisions could influence the physical, social and economic shape of our region for decades to come.

“Universities and all vibrant communities thrive through positive discussion. I am pleased that Wokingham Borough Council has put its proposals on the table and will seek the views of our local community and debate the issues. I urge everyone with an interest in the Local Plan to find about more and tell the council what they think.

“Whatever the outcome, the University of Reading is committed to our longstanding world-class research into the future of food and farming, and as we approach our centenary as a University we intend to expand this work further.”