However, the consideration of Laurel Park caused an outcry from neighbors, who argued that the construction of the land would lead to a loss of green space and an undesirable increase in traffic, which would disturb the wildlife of the nature reserve. neighbor of Maiden Erleigh.

In a sort of U-turn, the board now says Laurel Park is “not suitable” for 3G terrain.

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A letter written by Councilor John Halsall, the leader of the council (Conservative, Wargrave, Remenham and Ruscombe) states: ‘The executive has made no formal decision on the site of the proposed 3G land in the Lower Earley area or even if there is a suitable location.

“Laurel Park was simply the initial site proposed by the Berks and Bucks Football Association in its application to the Football Foundation.

“A review of the 3G land at Laurel Park indicates that this site is not suitable and therefore will not be advanced by this administration.”

This means that a new site will have to be found in the borough of Wokingham for the sports ground, which will be made of 3G astroturf.

Initial options include Maiden Erlegh School in Earley or Bearwood.

At a full council meeting on Thursday, February 17, seven members of the public questioned Councilor Parry Batth, the Executive Member for Recreation (Conservative, Shinfield North) about why Laurel Park was the preferred option and whether full consultation on new sites would take place before one is selected.

You can see tweets from the meeting below:

A plenary meeting of Wokingham Borough Council is currently in session. You can watch the meeting here #woky https://t.co/Y93NNL5Ygu

— James Aldridge (@jamesAjourno) February 17, 2022

A campaign against Laurel Park’s selection was led by neighbors and Earley’s Liberal Democrats.

Celebrating the decision, Andrew Mickleburgh (Liberal Democrats, Hawkedon) said: ‘Council has finally listened to the voices of the very many residents who have pointed to clear evidence that Laurel Park is not a suitable location for what has been propose.

“Given that an earlier letter from Wokingham Borough Council to a small number of residents in January 2022 referred to the installation of 3G land towards the end of 2022, these proposals must have been quite advanced.

“The Liberal Democrat team greatly appreciates all of the groups and residents who have helped bring about this significant turnaround. We remain committed to working with residents and WBC officers to help find a suitable site that can provide a first class facility.

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Despite what cllr Mickleburgh called the “good news”, he said questions remain about how much money has been spent surveying Laurel Park and whether there will be full consultation on all potential sites for the 3G land.

Cllr Halsall’s letter says full public consultation will take place on the site for the field with an “options analysis” report to be presented at a future executive committee meeting.