Any proposal for housing and employment development on the scale proposed in the RGS would need to provide a step change in transport accessibility, particularly for public transport. Accessibility to central Reading and the rest of the urban area is currently extremely poor, with both the M4 motorway and River Loddon and its floodplain forming major barriers to movement. The proposed Hall Farm/Loddon Valley site sits between 4 and 7 kilometres from the centre of Reading, and is on the edge of the Reading urban area. As a result of these concerns, Reading Borough Council makes clear it cannot currently support any proposed future relocation of the RBH to this site. The Council’s strong viewpoint is that a possible future relocation to the Hall Farm/Loddon Valley site currently does not provide anything near approaching the level of accessibility required, unless a dramatic improvement in public transport accessibility is provided at the outset. This includes being highly accessible by all modes of transport. Reading Council’s key concern is around accessibility to the RBH for those who require it. The issue of a possible relocation is indeed anticipated in Reading Borough Council’s own Local Plan (Policy ER3) which states: “Any long-term proposal for moving the hospital to a new site in the Reading area would be supported where it would ensure that such a move would enhance its accessibility to residents of Reading and the rest of its catchment, would not lead to a reduction in standards of care, and where it would comply with other policies in the Plan.” Reading Council has responded to Wokingham’s consultation by again making clear that it believes that the most appropriate location for the hospital is at the ‘heart of the community’ which it serves. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is openly considering its options, which include possible relocation or refurbishment/redevelopment on its current site. It additionally refers to the potential to accommodate a relocated Royal Berkshire Hospital at the site. Wokingham’s Revised Growth Strategy (RGS) – updated following the removal of Grazeley Garden Town from its proposals – includes a major development of up to 4,500 homes at the Hall Farm/Loddon Valley site, alongside employment development near the Thames Valley Science Park. The Council’s clear stance is outlined in a consultation response to the latest stage of consultation for Wokingham Borough Council’s Local Plan. Reading Borough Council has reiterated its concern over the possible future relocation of the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH), in particular around how accessible any proposed new hospital site would be for Reading residents needing treatment, visiting or working there.
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