Residents Raise Alarm Over 24/7 Shire Hall Development Plan Amid Traffic and Air Quality Concerns

The Planned Site for development

A proposed 24/7 industrial development at the old Shire Hall site is drawing growing concern from Shinfield residents, who warn it could unleash a flood of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic through local streets—posing risks to air quality, road safety, and the integrity of neighbourhood life.

According to a concerned local resident who contacted Shinfield News, the scheme could generate hundreds of daily HGV movements, sending lorries across the already-congested Blackbox Roundabout and into the surrounding street network. The scale and intensity of the proposed operation have prompted fears of increased traffic queues, bus delays, and dangerous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

"This isn't just about inconvenience—it's about safety and quality of life for everyone in the area," the resident wrote. "Air quality along these routes is a particular worry, and households fronting these streets would face significant noise and vibration from constant HGV activity."

The development, located on the site of the former Shire Hall, is reportedly planned to operate around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Though specific details of the commercial use have not been officially disclosed, the nature of the traffic it would generate has sparked deep concerns about its suitability in a largely residential and semi-rural part of Wokingham Borough.

The Old Shire Hall Site

"Backdoor Planning" Raises Democratic Concerns

Perhaps most controversially, it appears that the scheme may be decided under delegated planning powers—a mechanism allowing council officers to approve certain developments without full review by the public planning committee. This has sparked criticism among residents who argue that a development with such wide-reaching traffic and environmental implications deserves full democratic scrutiny.

"It’s deeply worrying that a decision of this magnitude could be taken behind closed doors," one resident said. "The community deserves the right to be heard, especially when the impacts would be felt by thousands of people daily."

Delegated powers are typically used for minor developments or applications deemed uncontentious, but local campaigners say the scale and impact of this proposal clearly warrants public debate and transparency.

Another resident, who asked not to be named while the matter is under consideration, expressed similar concerns: "We’re increasingly seeing major developments pushed through without proper scrutiny. This one has real implications for local infrastructure. It’s not just a technical decision—it’s a political one."

Traffic Bottlenecks and Safety Risks

The Blackbox Roundabout, already known for peak-hour congestion, is a key pinch point in Shinfield’s road network. Adding frequent HGV traffic into the mix raises alarms not only about gridlock, but about safety.

Local residents who commute via bus or cycle fear the additional lorry traffic could make their daily journeys more hazardous, particularly for schoolchildren and elderly pedestrians.

Cycling campaigners have long called for safer infrastructure in the area. One member of a local cycling group said: "This development runs completely counter to the council’s own commitments to sustainable transport. You can't say you support active travel and then greenlight a scheme that floods the roads with lorries."

Environmental Impacts

The environmental implications of increased HGV movement are another point of contention. The proposed routes would pass through residential areas where air quality already fails to meet national targets during high-traffic periods. Residents worry that round-the-clock industrial traffic could exacerbate pollution levels, affecting vulnerable groups such as children, asthmatics, and the elderly.

Noise pollution is another key concern. Vibrations from passing HGVs can damage property foundations over time, and the continuous sound of engines and reversing alarms may make restful sleep impossible for those living near key junctions.

Community Calls for Action

Shinfield residents are now urging Wokingham Borough Council to:

1. Subject the application to full planning committee review, ensuring councillors and the public have the opportunity to question the development’s implications.

   
   

2. Commission an independent traffic and environmental impact assessment, specifically addressing HGV volumes, noise, air quality, and safety for non-motorised road users.

   
   

3. Engage with local stakeholders including residents, schools, transport providers, and parish councils before any final decision is made.

A community meeting has been proposed to discuss the issue further, although details have not yet been confirmed.

As of publication, Wokingham Borough Council has not publicly commented on the development or confirmed the planning route.

Shinfield News has contacted the council for a statement and will update this article when a response is received.