The site of a controversial housing plan rejected by Wokingham Borough Council has reopened to the public.
Swallows Meadows reopened on Saturday, November 2 as a community green space after improvements were made.
These included new kissing gates and signage, as well as new walking routes for users.
The space, owned by the University of Reading, was subject to a controversial housing plan several years ago.
It was sold to developers Lower Earley Properties Ltd, who planned to build 43 homes on the land off Meldreth Way.
But before any planning permission was given, the developers began preparing the land for the homes, causing outrage amongst neighbours.
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Although this was legal, opponents accused the project managers of ‘deforestation’ of the countryside land, sparking a petition against development signed by more than 1,400 people.
The site was home to deer, badgers, birds and rabbits.
Clive Jones, now serving as Wokingham’s MP, represented Lower Earley for Wokingham Borough Council at the time and said developers had caused ‘some real destruction’.
Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee rejected the plans, agreeing unanimously that the development would have an ‘overbearing’ impact on neighbours.
Developers Lower Earley Properties also wanted to build a Lidl supermarket and a landscaped green space along with the new homes.
The new supermarket would have brought around 40 new jobs to the area as well as greater choice for shopping, according to project managers.
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Some support was given by residents over the new supermarket, which developers argued would give locals more choice with their shopping.
Lower Early Properties said that 662 people showed support for the new Lidl in a survey it completed.
But councillors argued that these supporters may have been from further afield and would be less materially impacted by the housebuilding.
After the refusal from the council, there were some fears that developers would take the decision to appeal with a government inspectorate – but no such appeal was lodged.
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Now the area has opened as a community green space with new features, with more improvements yet to be made.
The transformation was completed in partnership between Earley Environmental Group and the University of Reading.
Wokingham Borough Council, the University of Reading and Earley Environmental Group are inviting residents to make suggestions on how to enhance biodiversity and access.
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