A total of 135 homes and a park looks set to be created in Arborfield.
Wokingham borough council’s planning committee reluctantly approved plans for the new park at Duck’s Nest Farm on the A327 Observer Way, at a meeting earlier this month, despite concerns over traffic and the loss of green separation between communities.
Councillors were particularly concerned about vehicles turning right across the A327 Observer Way into and out of the proposed green space.
There were also questions about whether an additional arm should be added to the nearby roundabout linking Observer Way and Reading Road.
To address this, the committee agreed that right turns into and out of the site should be banned. Drivers will instead potentially need to follow a longer route via the Bull at Arborfield Cross and Swallowfield Lane to access the park.
The developer had already been asked to restrict right turns from Arborfield, but councillors went further by requiring a full prohibition on right turns both into and out of the access. This must be secured through a traffic regulation order, with the developer required to agree in writing.
Despite these changes, councillors said they did not consider the site ideal, noting it would reduce the green gap between Arborfield Green and Arborfield.
Members ultimately gave their backing, but the committee chair described the decision as reluctant.
The approved scheme will transform three arable fields north of the A327 into a 17.73-hectare publicly accessible natural park. The land will remain free of buildings in perpetuity and include formal paths, planting, seating and signage.
The site lies within an area sensitive for great crested newts and is intended to function as alternative natural green space, potentially easing pressure on protected habitats.
Access will be via an upgraded entrance on Observer Way, with a 12-space car park and new walking and cycling links connecting to the wider rights of way network. The park will link directly to Arborfield Footpath 17, with improvements supported by a £63,350 contribution.
The council plans to take the park into public ownership, backed by a long-term maintenance fund of around £1.54 million.
The scheme forms part of a wider hybrid application by David Wilson Homes, which includes up to 135 homes with 40 per cent affordable housing.
A legal agreement will secure long-term management, biodiversity net gain and contributions towards local infrastructure.
Permission remains subject to that agreement and necessary wildlife licences.
