A PUBLIC demand for answers has been put to a charity which is hoping to sell land in Tilehurst for a development of up to 80 homes.

The questions have been published after the Tilehurst People’s Local Charity (TPLC) did not show up to a public meeting where councillors and residents were hoping to get answers about the prospect of development in the area and the future of the Tilehurst Allotments.

A total of 31 questions were compiled at the meeting in Tilehurst Village Hall, which was packed out with neighbours sharing their concerns.

The questions were published by councillors Glenn Dennis and Mark Keeping both Labour councillors for Kentwood ward, who hosted the meeting, and can be divided into categories.

Concerns were raised about clearance work that has taken place at two sites in Armour Hill and Kentwood Hill, which could have a total of 80 homes built across the two sites.

Activists claim to have video evidence of badger setts in the sites, as well as Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre records of muntjac deers, foxes, slow worms and red kites occupying the woodland.

READ MORE: Neighbours fear for lives of badgers due to work in Reading woodlands

One of the questions to TPLC asked: “Now there is evidence of an extensive network of protected species on the site and the land is not needed to meet current housing targets will you review your decision to sell.”

People also asked whether TPLC is considering alternatives, and expressed fears about the future of the allotments, which are on land owned by TPLC.

Other questions asked: “What is going on with the allotments now?” and “What consultation has there been with the Tilehurst Allotment Society (TAS)?”

The full list of questions can be found on the Kentwood Labour Facebook page.

Some of the questions have been addressed in a statement by the TPLC.

In a joint statement, the board of trustees of TPLC said: “Some authorised work was recently carried out on part of the Charity’s land.

“The limited cutting-back of some brambles and scrub had been approved by Reading Borough Council.

“All the works were conducted in a lawful and proper manner, with appropriate method statements and briefings, and with an ecology specialist present.

READ MORE: Concerns over loss of woodland habitat near Tilehurst allotments addressed

“For clarity, the allotments area was not affected by this site work, no allotment gardens are to be sold or developed, and no allotment-gardeners are being, or have been, evicted.

“It should be noted that the Charity has made a firm and final decision to sell the unused portions of its land, because it is in the clear best interests of the beneficiaries – local people suffering poverty, hardship and distress – to do so.

“The Trustees have explained publicly via our website the background to the charity and the sale, and the rules within which we as Trustees must act.

“We have also provided detailed information – including a 35-minute webinar – about the recent limited site works, which were needed to enable surveys (including environmental surveys) to be carried out.

“There will be opportunities for public engagement and consultation during the planning process to deliver the site for residential development in accordance with the site allocation.”