A controversial plan to ‘bulldoze’ a meadow and build two sports pitches in Reading has now been approved. 

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

The land is now set for the installation of two full-size football pitches and a cricket pitch. 

Many residents registered their anger at the plan, with objections being lodged against the application regarding its expected 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” is detrimental to wildlife species.  

“There are skylarks nesting on this piece of land. These birds have recently experienced a dramatic population decline and are a Red List species,” Ms Povey added.  

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

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

The site is located west of Hollow Lane and south of Church Lane on Hyde End Road and makes up part of 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. 

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The plan received “no objections” from Sport England, a non-departmental public body under the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, as well as some support from residents. 

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

Shinfield Parish Council supported “the provision” of additional pitches but later expressed “concerns” over the objection comments raised by residents. 

Sunil Patel of nearby Bolton Drive said “more clarity” was needed as to why there was a need for sport pitches when the local area “already [has] these facilities” at nearby Ryeish Green Sports Hub. 

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The proposals had been the subject of a public consultation prior to a decision being made, however residents were left “astounded” that a fence had been erected around the area whilst the consultation period was still on-going.  

Having received approval, the works can now be completed, and the pitches are expected to be ready for use in 2023.