A controversial plan at a woodland site near Bracknell that has been ‘deforested’ according to a neighbour is set to be decided.
Beaufort Park is a large woodland development site situated between Bracknell and Crowthorne.
The site is divided between housebuilders Taylor Wimpey, which has completed its development of 68 homes, and The Hill Group, which has won permission to build 226 homes in the park.
Neighbours in The Evergreens have complained for months that trees that were meant to have provided a buffer between the two development sites have been cut down.
An Evergreens resident said: “A significant reason why I moved here was the exclusive woodland setting and the mature woodland setting, it’s silent, in the middle of a forest.
“That said, the quality of the home is not high, I bought here for the location.”
Part of the reason for the clash is that the site has been divided by Taylor Wimpey and The Hill Group.
The Evergreens was narrowly approved by Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee in November 2021, when it was led by the Conservatives.
The Hill Group project for 226 homes surrounding The Evergreens was rejected in 2022 and 2023 before being approved by a committee led by Labour councillors in March last year.
The Evergreens resident explained: “I purchased the day after the second time the plan was declined. I was told by Taylor Wimpey that it was unlikely it would be approved, and if it was approved, there would be a tree buffer.”
The neighbour’s claims are unverified.
Previously, a spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey stated that it is collaborating with the council for a resolution, which involves planting new buffer trees.
The Evergreens resident said the situation is “untenable”.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, The Hill Group has submitted an arboricultural method statement laying out how trees will be retained and planted.
This involves the repositioning and planting of 400 trees, both near the new homes, which will be located to the south of the site off Nine Mile Ride, and a suitable area of natural green space (SANG) on land it owns to the north of The Evergeens.
Of the 15 objections to the plan from members of the public, 14 of those are from residents of The Evergreens.
Furthermore, Taylor Wimpey and its planning agents Boyer have also objected, arguing it will have a ripple effect on trees at The Evergreens, which has already had to chop trees down out of safety concerns.
The Hill Group’s arboricultural method statement is due to be decided by the planning committee on Thursday, October 9.
Planning officer Margaret McEvitt has recommended that the plans be approved.
While acknowledging the arguments of objectors, she stated that updated details from The Hill Group provide an appropriate tree buffer between the two developments.
