The company Wates Developments applied to build 148 homes on six fields north of the Reading Gospel Hall at Three Mile Cross. It was initially refused by Wokingham Borough Council's planning department in July last year, as the site is not designated for development within the council's Local Plan. Although Wates Developments appealed against the decision, this was dismissed by a government-appointed planning inspector in February this year. During the appeal, planning agents for Wates Developments stated: "The effects of the housing crisis are manifesting themselves now. You can view the application by typing reference 233038 into the council's planning portal and the appeal using reference APP/X03060/W/24/3354607.