Aldermaston development spikes concerns for increased traffic and flooding risks

The council is reviewing a new housing development.

Maurice Robinson has applied to demolish an existing dwelling and build five in its place at Willow Mead on Mill Lane, Aldermaston.

The proposal also includes provision for a further 11 car parking spaces.

But the proposal has aroused concern due to flooding risks and fears of causing further vehicle traffic.

A spokesperson for Aldermaston Parish Council said: “Willows Mead is the only property in our parish in Mill Lane (the rest being in Padworth).

“It is similar to a request made approximately three years ago and subsequently withdrawn by the applicant.

“We objected then, and consider our reasons for objecting remain valid, so we will object.”

The flood risk assessment commissioned by the applicant wrote the dwellings “will be raised above the existing ground levels”, adding “the flood risk from surface water and other sources has been evaluated and is not considered significant.”

However, the sustainable drainage systems officer questioned the report’s validity.

“We cannot recommend approving this application,” they said. “We would request a meeting with the developers and the Environment Agency to confirm the validity of the FRA and the assertion the site is no longer within Flood Zone 3b.”

Willow Mead suffered from flooding in April 2018 as a result of erosion to the bank of the River Kennet caused by human activity.

A Joint Emergency Planning meeting echoed the same concerns and advised against the proposal until the SUDs officer is satisfied.

Local residents also shared their concerns for the increased traffic the development would bring.

Rowan Pulford said: “The additional vehicle movements will increase danger at the junction with the A340.

“Vehicles exiting the lane have minimal visibility over the bridge and there is often conflict on the bridge with oncoming traffic.”

George Pigot added: “A short stretch, about 200 metres, of Mill Lane has now been surfaced.

“This is only about half of the distance from the A340 to Willow Mead, leaving another 200m of unsurfaced lane to bear the brunt of the increased traffic, which will severely damage the surface.”

The site currently accommodates a detached bungalow, with associated garages and outbuildings.

The council will decide on the application by Wednesday, January 17.