Increased traffic and loss of countryside are some of the issues residents have raised in response to plans for a new storage facility for the Natural History Museum.

As previously reported, the museum wants to build a warehouse the size of three football pitches to carry out research and house artefacts at Thames Valley Park - but it will not be open to the public.

At a public consultation on Thursday, September, 14, residents have mixed reviews. Michael and Linda Bassett said they were "all for it", welcoming the prospect of it bringing new jobs to the area.

On the other hand, Helen Rossington said: “It’s just another big building! It says a lot about being environmentally friendly, but in reality, it’s taking up a lot of natural land. The area floods a lot too, so where is that water going to go?”

The museum has stated that most of their site is in flood zone 1, with the southeast of the site classified as flood zone 2. Information on the proposed site stated that the ‘risk of flooding is very low’.

Helen added: “The University of Reading are just selling the land to make money. Shinfield would benefit from a new secondary school. The land could be put to better use. At least it’s not another ugly black building like the film studios.”

The university has been contacted for comment.

Unlike the museum building’s glass walls and rustic brown exterior, the film studio had to have well-insulated double walls to ensure noise cancellation.

In agreement with the possible downsides of the development, Margaret Capel said: “my worry is the amount of traffic. It is already a struggle in the mornings to get anywhere. It took me 15 minutes to drive a mile the other day. First the film studio, then this.”

However, Steve Froud said that he was “really pleased” with the sustainability of the project and that this was clearly considered more than other projects in the area. “The lack of environmental impact looks good,” said Mr Froud, “the design is good – it’s a good looking building! It’s a shame it’s going to be hidden.”

Speaking previously, Kathryn Packer, programme director at the Natural History Museum, said they had chosen Reading as it was a "fantastic location", adding: "We want to build on our relationship with the University and the local community".