An ‘unacceptable’ development on the outskirts of Wokingham which “has no benefits for the community”’ is set to be decided by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) this week.
The plan for 45 houses on countryside land close to Amen Corner and London Road has been put forward by developer Wilson Homes.
It would run adjacent to the borough boundary with Bracknell.
However, the proposal has proved controversial after attracting objections from multiple local authorities, local neighbours, plus a joint letter against the plan by 179 residents.
Whether it receives outline approval – meaning planning officials agree to the plans in principle – will be decided by the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, August 14.
The plans have received individual objections from 33 residents, Bracknell Forest Council and Binfield Parish Council, as well as concerns raised by Hurst Parish Council. A joint letter from 179 residents within the neighbouring Amen Corner development was also received.
Issues were taken with the impact it would have on the countryside, the environment, water and drainage, roads, and access to already pressurised local amenities.
One resident claimed that the new houses had ‘no benefits for the community’.
The development would be located 2.5 kilometres from Wokingham town centre, and 3.5 kilometres from Bracknell town centre.
Bracknell Forest Council said that if plans go ahead it would ‘diminish the important visual and physical gap between Binfield and Wokingham’, as well as causing harm to the character and appearance to the countryside.
Concerns were also raised by Binfield Parish Council, which said that surrounding roads are ‘just about coping’ with current levels of traffic from cars and pedestrians.
The council added that the local primary school is already oversubscribed, and that it had safety concerns given the number of potential construction vehicles using the road.
The authority warned it could also have an adverse impact on the environment, as the are is ‘already suffering from drainage and flooding issues’.
Other residents raised concerns that it would blur the boundary between Wokingham and Bracknell.
Hurst Parish Council also said it was concerned about the access and traffic management arrangements ‘given the strength of feeling of local residents over current traffic congestion problems’.
But the council report, which recommends approval, said the location is “considered to be sustainable and would allow good access to local services, transport and facilities that are within walking and cycling distances”.
The plan would include 40% affordable homes, the vast majority of which would be socially rented.
The council has said that because of this, along with access to Wokingham and Bracknell, it would bring public benefit to the area.
