What
will be done about
potential disruption
and inconvenience during
the construction
phase?
The
scheme
will
be
phased
to
ensure
that
areas
will
be
developed
in
an
integrated
manner
to
minimise
disruption
At any one time development
will be restricted to areas
of less than 50 acres. Whilst
there may be some temporary
effects the overall effect
will be limited.
The
impact
of
construction
will
be
tightly
controlled
through
a
construction
management
plan,
which
will
be
worked
up
and
agreed
with
the
local
authority
before
any
work
commences
on
site.
This
will
ensure
that
all
operations
are
carried
out
so
as
to
minimise
disturbance to
the
enjoyment
of
people's
homes
and
of
the
countryside
What
sort of recreational
facilities will be
provided?
Recreational
facilities and
opportunities
are to be the
subject of consultation
with residents
but both indoor
and outdoor facilities
are envisaged
with particular
emphasis on water-related
sports and informal
recreation.
How
can you be sure that
the site will be protected
from flooding?
Specialist
technical investigations
have been made
and hydrological
solutions have
been developed.
Flood protection
work will be
engineered not
only to avoid
placing adjoining
areas under increased
risk, but also
to provide improved
flood protection
to approximately
500 properties
at the edge of
or within the
floodplain of
the River Kennet,
between Theale
and Reading and
at Sheffield
Bottom.
While part of
the site is currently
liable to flood
and performs
a role in storage
of floodwaters,
once developed,
this role will
be transferred
to Theale Lake.
In addition,
the site for
built development
will be raised,
thus taking it
out of the floodplain.
Will
we still be able to
sail on Theale Lake?
The
proposals will
enhance Theale
Lake for the
purposes of recreation.
There will be
no reduction
in navigation
depths and subject
to material suitability,
the lake may
even be dredged
to increase navigation
depth.
Many of the other water areas
north of the motorway will
be retained and remodelled
with recreation and nature
conservation in mind.
The
area provides a valuable
habitat for lots of
bird and animal life.
Won't development
destroy all this?
The
site
will
be
investigated
thoroughly
to
determine
what
important
wildlife
areas
and
species
exist
within
it.
Only a small proportion of
the site will be developed.
The remainder of the area
will be managed to achieve
an appropriate balance between
the needs of recreation and
nature conservation.
The development will also
be designed to integrate
into its environment and
to protect and enhance any
valuable habitats that are
found.
