Plans for a housing development on the outskirts of Crowthorne have sparked concerns for the countryside, traffic, and local services.
Property developer Ashridge Land has applied for permission from Wokingham Borough Council to build six homes at St Sebastian’s Close, off Nine Mile Ride.
Petra Angel of Grove Close noted that 226 homes had just recently been approved by Bracknell Forest Council at Beaufort Park, further east down Nine Mile Ride.
She raised concerns that this, and the major development at the Transport Research Laboratory, would put pressure on ‘doctor, dentist and school spaces.’
Louise and Jamie Royston-Smith of Grove Cottages said they were worried that the new development would mean they wouldn’t be able to walk their dogs in Gorrick Woods.
Mrs Royston Smith told Wokingham Borough Council: “We currently enjoy direct access out the back of Grove Cottages to the woods and field behind for dog walks.
“I am concerned we will have to risk walking our dogs via the extremely busy and fast Nine Mile Ride.”
Planning consultants Solve argued the plans should be approved as the development is close to other housing, and that any loss of greenfield land would be on private property.
It said most trees will be retained, and there will only be ‘limited encroachment’ into the woods.
Solve added that the development would be sustainable, as it is near schools, doctors and transport links in Crowthorne.
The plans are still being considered by Wokingham Borough Council.
