As a group, we are actively exploring other ways by which we can help preserve the green fields around the Garrison. As such we have recently sent the following letter to all four of our local prospective parliamentary candidates. These are John Redwood (Conservative), Mark Ashwell (Independent), Prue Bray (Liberal Democrat) and George Davidson (Labour).
The letter reads as follows:
Dear Mr Redwood, Mr Davidson, Mrs Bray and Mr Ashwell,
OPEN LETTER TO THE STANDING LOCAL MP AND PROSPECTIVE PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES FOR WOKINGHAM CONSTITUENCY, FROM THE RESIDENTS OF GERRING ROAD, SHEERLANDS ROAD, TYLER DRIVE & BARKER CLOSE, ARBORFIELD
We have been aware for several years that the local MOD site would possibly close at some time in the future, at which time the Garrison site was likely to be redeveloped.
However we have only very recently (i.e. this last week), become aware of the size & extent of the proposed development of Arborfield as part of Wokingham Borough Council’s Strategic Development Plan:
Rather than develop on only brown field sites after the MOD has vacated the area, the plans are to build aggressively and extensively on greenfield sites across the village. Indeed the plans are to build upto 5,000 new houses, a secondary school, 2 new primary schools, a new district centre, a 4000m2 supermarket etc.
This level of development would require the destruction of many hundreds of trees and the loss of green fields & other open spaces currently used as play areas by our children and as quiet recreational areas for many adults. It would also mean a total transformation of our quiet and peaceful semi-rural village setting into a densely populated, busy and noisy small town.
The sense of local outrage at WBC’s plans is so strong that many of the local residents have quickly mobilised over the week-end to form an action group against the development of any green field sites in the area at all. (We reluctantly accept the need for development on brown field sites subject to the stringent condition that the local infrastructure is developed in advance of any new houses).
Please visit the website we have set up over the week-end at: http://arborfield-garrison-rag.org.uk/
As this issue will be the Number 1 local issue in the forthcoming General as well as Local Election, we would like to canvass your detailed position now. Specifically, will you support us in fighting any development of green field or other open spaces, instead demanding that development be restricted to brown field sites only?
We look forward to receiving your detailed response. Please note we intend publishing it on our website.
Regards,
Martin Rutter on behalf of the Arborfield Garrison Residents Action Group
