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Calls for 'dangerous' junction to be improved

Ruth Lucas
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Google A large grey building, with three four-storey towers visible rises behind large green trees and a grassy area to the left. A two-lane main road runs from left to right in front of the siteGoogle
Shire Hall opened in Shinfield, on the outskirts of Reading, in 1981

Money supplied by developers planning to demolish a huge Brutalist office building should be used to improve a "notoriously dangerous junction", a councillor has said.

The Shire Hall office complex in Shinfield, Reading, previously served as the headquarters of Berkshire County Council.

The offices, which were acquired by Wrenbridge and Fiera Real Estate last year, were opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.

Labour councillor Andrew Gray has asked Wokingham Borough Council leaders to improve a nearby junction between Whitley Wood Lane and the B3270.

Google Cars queue at the junction of Whitley Wood Lane and the B3270. Large trees and grass are on either side the roads and a bridge can be seen in the distanceGoogle
The junction between Whitley Wood Lane and the B3270 is "notoriously dangerous", a local councillor says

In a question submitted to the council, he said residents in his Shinfield ward were concerned about redevelopment of the site, especially "the potential for increased traffic" along the B3270.

He wrote: "If the redevelopment of this site goes ahead, can the council commit to the use of developer contributions to improve this junction and take this important opportunity to work with our partners in Shinfield Parish Council and Reading Borough Council to make this road safer for residents?"

Residents have lodged similar objections to the scheme, which is currently awaiting a decision from the borough council.

Deborah Sibcy wrote: "The roads and junctions can't cope with the traffic we have now.

"The noise and pollution during demolition is going to make being outside on the adjoining housing estate unbearable."

Amanda Charlton said the traffic on the roads was "already extremely busy" and the new hub could "negatively impact us accessing our homes".

A planning agent from consultants Stantec said the existing site was "outdated".

The agent said the redevelopment would provide "high-quality employment floorspace for which there is a clear and identified need" and would generate jobs, positively contributing to the local economy.

Mr Gray will receive a response to his question from the executive member for active travel, transport and highways on 20 March.

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