Wokingham Conservatives have launched a campaign calling on Wokingham borough council to protect the borough’s green belt and green spaces in the new Local Plan, and prioritise brownfield and previously developed land before considering development on protected countryside.
The campaign comes as Wokingham borough council (WBC) progresses work on a new Local Plan having recently issued a “call for sites” seeking potential locations for future development.
Wokingham Conservatives have said the process must not become a route to unnecessary development across the borough’s green belt and green spaces.
It is calling on WBC to:
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Oppose development on green belt land and green spaces across Wokingham.
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Prioritise brownfield and previously developed land before considering green belt release.
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Ensure major development is accompanied by the roads, schools, GP surgeries and public transport needed to support it.
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Work with residents and local communities to protect the character of Wokingham’s towns and villages.
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Protect the countryside, wildlife habitats and green spaces for future generations.
Thames ward councillor and Wokingham borough council planning committee member Wayne Smith said:“Wokingham’s green belt is one of our borough’s greatest assets.
“It protects the character of our towns and villages, prevents urban sprawl and gives residents access to the countryside that makes Wokingham such a special place to live.
“We recognise that Wokingham needs the right homes in the right places, but development should not necessitate building on our Green Belt and green spaces.
“We are in this position because Wokingham have delayed progression of the current Local Plan, currently sat for sign-off with the Inspector, for years.
“Developers know that even if a permission is rejected by the planning committee, they have every chance of success at appeal because there is no agreed local plan.
“Before any land is considered for release in the delivery of a new local plan, the council should demonstrate that brownfield and previously developed sites have been properly exhausted and that the infrastructure needed to support new communities can actually be delivered.”
Fellow Thames ward councillor Leon Cook added: “The imposition of top-down housing targets by the Labour government isn’t helping matters.
“Residents should not be expected to accept further congested roads, pressure on GP surgeries and schools, or the loss of valued countryside without a compelling reason.
“Once green belt land is built on, it is lost forever.
“We want Wokingham borough council to listen to residents, stand up for our countryside and make protecting our Green Belt and green spaces a priority in the new local plan.”
The Conservatives say development decisions must also take account of the impact on existing communities, including pressure on roads and local services, biodiversity and wildlife, and the distinctive character of Wokingham’s towns and villages.
The party is encouraging residents who want to see Wokingham’s green nelt protected to sign its petition and send a clear message to the council that the borough’s countryside matters.
