Details of a nature park at a huge development on the outskirts of Bracknell have been confirmed despite claims of ‘disgusting’ deforestation taking place at the site.
Beaufort Park is a former office complex, woodland and field area situated between Bracknell and Crowthorne.
The office complex was demolished and replaced with 68 homes by Taylor Wimpey in 2023.
The wider site will see 226 homes built on it by The Hill Group.
Despite proving controversial, the plan for these homes was ultimately approved by Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee last year.
Part of the project involves creating a nature park on the site, officially called a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG).
The details of the Beaufort Park were discussed at a council planning meeting.
These involved tree and bush planting, the creation of a car park for visitors and a board walk for pedestrians to access the park.
Although councillors were meant to focus on the SANG, the discussion led to claims of ‘deforestation’ at the site, as current Taylor Wimpey residents have complained about extensive tree felling since April.
Councillor Tina McKenzie-Boyle (Conservative, Crowthorne) referred to the situation as the “elephant in the room”.
She said: “I think we need to ensure that we have a scrutiny on this site.
“We can’t have the same terrible devastation that we’ve had. We need to make sure that any trees that are taken out of this area are scrutinised.
“The area needs to be protected, not only for the SANG but for the residents as well, we have to ensure that happens.
“We will be keeping a watchful eye; we can’t have any more problems on this site. There’ve been far too many.
Agreeing, cllr Tony Virgo (Conservative, Winkfield & Warfield East) called the tree felling “disgusting”.
He said: “What happened was not only regretful, it was actually disgusting.”
Cllr Tricia Brown (Labour, Priestwood & Garth), the chairwoman of the committee, agreed that the tree felling was disappointing, but urged her fellow councillors to focus on the SANG plan that was being decided on.
Cllr Virgo then questioned who would have responsibility for checking that trees are treated and watered correctly.
He said: “We’ve got to somehow coordinate all this rather than separating the site.”
Planning officer Margaret McEvit clarified that the SANG will be managed by the council, and that the council is liaising with Taylor Wimpey and The Hill Group on tree management.
The details for the SANG were unanimously approved at the meeting on Thursday, August 14.
You can view the application by typing reference 25/00005/COND into the council’s planning portal.
A separate application (reference 25/00092/COND) byTaylor Wimpey for tree planting was submitted in May.
