Local residents are raising serious concerns after newly elevated ground near a popular polo venue has sparked fresh fears of flooding.
Princess Kate and Prince William have once again found themselves linked to controversy as the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club—an iconic institution in the world of British polo—faces growing scrutiny.
According to locals, extensive land modifications carried out over the years have drastically reshaped the area, and not in a positive way. Since 2013, the site has reportedly accepted massive quantities of waste soil, roughly equal to 100,000 truckloads, dramatically changing the natural terrain.
Residents say the once-lush landscape has been altered so significantly that it has created new risks, including poor drainage, flooding concerns, and possible contamination. One homeowner described the development as increasingly dangerous, claiming the ground level now appears far higher than what planning rules allow—potentially putting nearby properties in harm’s way.
Using advanced lidar scans, the Lead Local Flood Authority detected clear indications that the raised land could heighten flood risks, both on the polo grounds and across nearby neighborhoods.
Local MP Joshua Reynolds has also stepped in, warning that the oversized soil deposits and rising ground levels may seriously compromise community safety. He remains doubtful that the proposed mitigation plans will truly address the underlying problem, suggesting that the solutions on the table may not go far enough.
Further complications have only slowed progress, including a high-pressure gas pipeline running beneath the site and the collapse of a key contractor—both of which have hindered the original development scheme.
