University of Reading submits plans for new garden village

The University of Reading has submitted a hybrid planning application for its portion of the proposed Loddon Garden Village, a large-scale development set to deliver thousands of homes, schools, jobs, and community infrastructure in Wokingham Borough.

The submission to Wokingham Borough Council marks a major step in the long-term vision for Loddon Garden Village, with two further applications from neighbouring landowners Gleeson Homes and Hatch Farm Land Ltd expected in the coming months. The Council has now begun its statutory public consultation, inviting residents to share their views as planning officers begin their review.

Prepared by Savills on behalf of the University, the application follows four years of engagement with local stakeholders, including a comprehensive community consultation earlier this year. Invitations were extended to more than 10,000 residents, businesses and groups, and feedback was incorporated into the final plans.

Key features of the proposed scheme include up to 2,800 new homes, with 40% allocated as affordable housing and over 125 hectares of open space, including a new park, sports facilities and an indoor Sports Hub

The proposal will be considered as part of the upcoming Local Plan Inquiry, where it will be assessed for its alignment with Wokingham’s strategic planning framework.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “Loddon Garden Village is designed with local people at its heart. We’re proud to bring forward a plan that supports families, protects nature and provides facilities for generations to come.”

Philip Brown, Planning Director at Savills Reading, added: “This application is the culmination of more than four years of collaborative work and consultation to develop a scheme that will deliver much-needed new homes, including affordable provision, alongside new infrastructure, services and facilities.”

If approved, the hybrid application will set the framework for subsequent detailed planning submissions as the project advances.