Plans for 200 homes on Bridge Farm

HUNDREDS of new homes could be built in Twyford, after developer Croudace Homes revealed an outline planning application last week.

The housebuilder wants to build 200 dwellings on Bridge Farm, after the land was earmarked as a possible development site in the borough council’s draft local plan update. It would replace 29 acres of agricultural land. Croudace Homes has since launched a survey to gauge residents’ views on the proposal.

If approved, the new homes will include flats, terraces, townhouses and larger family homes.

The developer is also proposing a riverside park, nearly 450 parking spaces, and new cycling and pedestrian pathways.

Residents would access the estate from a new roundabout on the A4.

Lindsay Ferris, ward councillor for Twyford, said Croudace Homes should expect “considerable” objections to its proposals, which he said would be “isolated” from the rest of the village.

“There is significant concern about access from the site onto the A4, which I share,” he said. “With 200 properties being proposed, which I feel is far too many for the site, traffic will cause added problems along a road that is already extremely busy.”

Cllr Ferris said the proposals would encourage more car journeys at a time when the climate crisis should be a priority.

He is also worried any development near the River Loddon would be affected by regular flooding.

He added: “There is also a need to keep, if not improve, the wildlife corridor associated with the River Loddon and I have concerns that this development, on what is good quality farmland, would have an impact on this.

“I do not feel this is an appropriate site for such a major development.”

A spokesperson for Croudace Homes said residential development is needed in the Twyford area.

“Wokingham Borough Council is obliged by the Government to allocate land to meet housing needs,” they said.

“The council has identified Twyford as a sustainable location for some housing growth, because of the range of local services available in the village and the availability of public transport facilities, most notably

Twyford Station.”

Croudace Homes is holding an online public consultation on its outline planning application which is open until Wednesday, June 23.