Showdown looms over plan for new homes in Caversham

The developer Knole Homes is hoping to build nine new homes near the Lyfield Court retirement complex off Kidmore Road in Emmer Green.

The project would see seven detached and two semi-detached homes built on garden space.

Also, the existing Brindles house would be downsized through the demolition of its extensions, resulting in a site total of 10 homes.

Brindles, the existing home off Lyefield Court, could be downsized through demolition of its extensions. Credit: James Aldridge, LDRS

The site is screened by a hedgerow which separates it from Emmer Green Primary School.

Dozens of neighbours living in Lyefield Court and The Conifers retirement homes have objected, raising fears that they will lose privacy and struggle to get into and out of the neighbourhood.

Tina Barnes, 77, from The Conifers argued that her and fellow neighbours would irrevocably lose the privacy they currently enjoy.

She said: “There’s a loss of privacy and amenity that we thought we were buying into.

“As it is at the moment, we have a lovely green space, with a habitat for wildlife birds and we don’t need view screening."

Mrs Barnes fears that the new two-storey homes would give future occupants the chance to look into their retirement apartments.

he view from the home of Tina Barnes at The Conifers in Lyefield Court, Emmer Green, where nine new homes could be built. She said the new homes will lead to a loss of screening, and accused developers of felling trees. Credit: James Aldridge, LDRS

Other neighbours have argued the access road is too narrow to accommodate construction traffic and more comings and goings once the development is completed.

John Manners, 89, also from The Conifers, said: “The front end coming off Kidmore End Road is too damned narrow.

“Safety is not being considered in any way.”

The widest point at Lyefield Court, Emmer Green. Neighbours argue that it is too narrow for construction traffic and other vehicles to pass. There is also no designated footpath. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Furthermore, Reading Borough Council planning officer Thomas Bradfield has recommended that the project be refused.

He concluded the development would have poor access, and the proposed homes would have a 'cramped nature' and result in a 'poor quality of accommodation'.

Arguing on behalf of Knole Homes, planning agents Arktec said: "In terms of social, the development would help to contribute towards the housing
needs of the local people in the area, as well as improving the supply of housing in the borough by making a modest contribution to the housing supply, this social benefit carries considerable weight in favour of the scheme."

The planning agent also argued that the site has 'ample space' for the proposed new homes 'that would have no adverse impact' on neighbours.

The site layout for the plan for nine homes off Lyefield Court and Kidmore End Road in Emmer Green. Credit: Arktec

They added that the new homes would be of 'high architectural quality' and have a traditional design which reflects the character of the area.

The development would create three three-bed, five four-bed homes and a five-bed house.

The project is due to be decided by the council's planning applications committee when it meets on Wednesday, September 4.

You can view the application by typing reference PL/24/0403 into the council's planning portal.