Greater Reading Lib Dems

Liberal Democrats in and around Reading have warmly welcomed the news that the Government has finally decided to block the controversial proposal by Prudential PIM for a development of 7,500 new houses around the Kennet Meadows and the floodplain. But they have warned that Labour plans to increase the total amount of development in Reading and the surrounding communities will not be sustainable.

They have paid tribute to the leading role played by Liberal Democrat councillor for Burghfield, Cllr Royce Longton, in whose ward the bulk of the development would have been located.

Katesgrove Councillor and PPC for Reading East, Gareth Epps, has welcomed the news to protect the Kennet floodplain but is concerned that the Government appears to be further accelerating Reading's rate of growth. He says:
"It is of course fantastic news, not least to my constituents on the Kennet, that the floodplain will not be breached by the Kennet Valley Park development which would have been a reckless and irreversible threat to Reading.

"However, without a sensible dialogue on how we match Reading's growth with its infrastructure, and in particular transport, the Government's imposition of still faster growth is unsustainable. The affordable housing target lacks ambition and fails to meet need. The town and its neighbours must now have a major debate on how this is achieved."

Cllr Prue Bray, Liberal Democrat PPC for Wokingham and group leader on Wokingham Borough Council, says:
“I am very pleased that common sense has prevailed and the proposal to put 7,500 houses on Kennet Valley Park has been rejected. This is good news for everyone in the area.
"But whilst the number of houses for West Berks has been reduced, the number for Wokingham Borough remains as it was before. Some of the Borough’s road network is already experiencing capacity problems.
"It is vitally important that the transport infrastructure, including public transport, gets the investment it needs – otherwise there will be huge increases in journey times and traffic pollution in the area over the next few years.”

Editor's Note. See also Wokingham Lib Dems Story

Greater Reading Lib Dems

News

SOUTH EAST PLAN: Kennet Meadows saved but Lib Dems warn on even more growth
28 July 2008