There could be more than 100 new homes built on green land in Theale, if plans are approved next week.

Up to 104 homes are proposed at the 7.15 hectares of green land north of The Green, near Theale Green School, which would include 42 affordable homes.

There have been 16 letters of objection sent to the council, while Theale Parish Council has also objected to the plan, which is being developed by the Englefield Estate.

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The plans were called in to West Berkshire Council’s (WBC) Planning committee for a vote by Councillor Alan Macro due to residents’ concerns about the effect on local services and infrastructure.

The housing mix has not yet been confirmed but the developer has indicated there would be:

  • 28 x one and two-bedroom flats
  • 13 x two-bed houses
  • 44 x three-bed houses
  • 14 x four-bed houses
  • 5 x 2-bed flats

There would be 42 affordable homes, which meets the council’s 40 per cent requirement for housing developments on green land.

A children’s play area and green community space are included in the plans.

Theale Parish Council say it is outside of the settlement boundary and the development has inadequate provision of family accommodation and a disproportionate number of one-bed and two-bed flats.

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They also say it will impact on village infrastructure, there will be inadequate car parking and have raised concern for the safety of pedestrians wanting to access the village by foot.

Englefield Parish Council have supported the plans but also raised concerns about safe pedestrian access.

A pedestrian crossing is proposed over the road towards Theale Green School.

WBC planning officers have backed the plans, saying “the significant benefits of the development outweigh the modest negative impacts”.

They believe 104 dwellings can be accommodated without adverse harm to the wider landscape, the area of natural beauty (AONB) and the setting of the village.

Officers also say that, although the development would increase the village population, the developer would have to pay a levy which would go towards local infrastructure.