ag-rag.

org Quarterly Newsletter - Spring 2012

Running into trouble?
AG-RAG have always argued the size of the Arborfield Garrison SDL is unsustainable and development should only take place behind the wire once the Army have physically left the site. Not surprisingly, the proposed development is now running into trouble because: Wokingham Borough Councils (WBC) latest very confusing traffic modelling presentation shows a number of routes, including Barkham Bridge, will reach saturation point by 2026. Landowners are likely to submit separate planning applications making it more difficult to secure the infrastructure required. WBC had promised there would be one planning application. Hampshire County Council are in negotiations with WBC, while still pursuing a judicial review, to get developers to pay for road improvements in Hampshire. The Army may not have anywhere to relocate by 2015. These factors could lead to the worst scenario: Building starting on the green fields in a piecemeal way and insufficient infrastructure being provided by developers, particularly on the roads because the true costs will make the development non viable.

Genuine consultation with residents

AG-RAG are committed to achieving the best outcome for their members. There have been encouraging words from Angus Ross at WBC and John Redwood for the need to consult residents. Some concerns remain over how genuine this consultation is: WBC and the MOD will not let AG-RAG have sight of the full pre-planning application, claiming it is commercially sensitive. WBC did not initially invite AG-RAG to join their Parish and Community Forum, set up with the aim of the community and developers working together. Repeated requests by AG-RAG to meet Planning Consultants working for the MOD have been ignored. Finchampstead Parish Council and Finchampstead Councillor Simon Weeks refuse to work with AG-RAG, as they support the development, despite the inevitable huge increase in traffic and building the 1500 houses on green fields in Finchampstead.

Steering Groups focus

Over the last few months your Steering Group have: Written a number of letters to the Wokingham Times to keep highlighting the serious flaws in the proposed development. Written to both John Redwood and Phillip Lee about the MODs reluctance to fund a bypass at Arborfield. Made a number of freedom of information requests including asking for details of the pre- planning application submitted by the MOD to WBC Attended Parish Council meetings both in Arborfield and Finchampstead. Met with our counterparts Eversley Matters to co-ordinate our strategies and publicity.

Traffic modelling
WBC councillors were given a presentation on the updated traffic modelling in January 2012, which has some bizarre results: Not surprisingly Barkham Bridge is already at capacity now and will remain so in 2026, when the Arborfield Garrison SDL is complete, unless alterations are made The junction of Fleet Hill and The Street in Eversley will be at full capacity by 2026 Finchampstead Road at the junction of Molly Millars will be at full capacity by 2026, but it is not at the moment! Nine Mile Ride at California Crossroads is not at full capacity and will not be by 2026!

How can AG-RAG members help?

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Encourage your neighbours to join AG-RAG. The more members we have the more our voice must be heard. Write to your local MP and the Wokingham Times with your concerns. Attend Parish Council meetings and ask questions.

Planning application and appeal costs

A Pre-planning application has been submitted by the MOD to WBC . A full planning application may not be submitted until after the Planning Inspector has ruled on the University of Reading v WBC inquiry. WBC are lobbying the Government to support their case and they expect all planning applications to go to appeal . They have allocated 2m for legal costs.
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