If you live in Wokingham Borough, we’d love you to join other local Baptist churches in encouraging the Council to include space for a church in the Loddon Garden Village development.

Earlier this year, the developer effectively said, “No one is interested in having a church.” But thanks to prayer and feedback from local Baptist church members, by November they were asking us for outline plans! (though they have not yet promised anything) A concept drawing has now been submitted, and the Council has opened the local consultation process. You can find information about the development plans at Loddon Valley Garden Village.

Here’s how you can help:

Share your thoughts on why a church matters in this new community here link. See below for some things you could include, please put it in your own words. 

Contact your Wokingham Borough Councillor by email or in person and encourage them to support including a church. [Find your councillor here]

Attend local consultation meetings and speak about the benefits of having a church.

For ideas to include in your communication:

- Churches provide a considerable spiritual, social, physical and psychological benefit to those who attend and to the local community the church serves.

- The majority of people (56.4%) in England and Wales consider themselves religious with 46.2%, Christian[1]

- In England and Wales the Church grew at a rate of 56% in last 6 years, with the biggest growth in the youngest sector of the population (400% increase 18-24’s regularly attending church)[2]

- There will be 1200 regular worshippers in a population of 10,000 people – they need a local church.[3]

- If there is no provision for a local church then people will travel out of the community to find a church. Having a local church strengthens the local community, reduces a community’s carbon footprint by reducing the need to travel by car to churches outside the village.

- Many of the Baptist churches in reach of the development by car are full already or growing.

- Churches provide a place for social cohesion. In the church you will find people of different ages and nationalities, of different interests, political persuasions, experiences and backgrounds working side by side to serve and support their local communities.

- Local churches benefit their local communities: toddler groups; children and youth work; social groups – men, women, parents, senior, sports, cafés etc.; social outreach e.g. recovery programme, Bed 4 Night, foodbank support.

The consultation period closes on January 16th 2026, so please write in soon and pray for God to open the door to having a church site allocated and even funded in this new development.

Reach is a Christian charity with 20 years’ experience working with a variety of schools in the Reading area. All our services are provided free of charge. We are funded through generous supporters from churches in Reading. Our aim is to support schools by enabling young people and staff to reach their potential during school and in life beyond. 

They are holding a number of events, which all are invited to!