NOT BUILDING any more homes in Wokingham would be a “terrible mistake” the council’s planning executive has said.
Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement at the borough council said that many residents have suggested building no more — or fewer — homes in the borough.
It comes as the borough council consults on its Local Plan Update, a document that sets out the future of housebuilding in the borough.
Cllr Smith said: “We appreciate that some residents aren’t happy with what is being proposed but we face some very difficult choices and are doing our utmost to make the best of a situation which, frankly, we have very little control over.”
He said that refusing to plan for the full number of new homes mandated by Government would be a terrible mistake, leaving the borough open to speculative development from housebuilding companies.
“Whatever people may feel, not having a valid Local Plan is by far the biggest danger here,” he said.
Cllr Smith said that it would be better to accept what cannot be changed, and instead “channel development in a constructive direction” to build “well-equipped” communities.
He said that this approach has had “great success” in Shinfield, Arborfield Green and north and south Wokingham.
But some residents would disagree with this sentiment. In this week’s edition of Wokingham Today, Arborfield Green residents said that they have been waiting five years for the promised village centre, with a small supermarket, coffee shop and a bar, and an early years childcare setting.
Cllr Smith said: “We know there’s no perfect solution but we have considered our options in great detail, taking advice from independent experts, and are confident that we can mitigate the downsides of building at Hall Farm while delivering many more benefits in the process.”
He invited residents to “come up with a better alternative” that also complies with planning requirements imposed by the the Government.
“I’d also point out that new homes will be available for residents’ children and grandchildren, including affordable housing and homes for key workers, allowing them to continue living and working in the area where they grew up,” Cllr Smith added.
He called for residents to channel their opinions into the council’s current consultation, which ends on Monday, January 24.
To take part, visit: engage.wokingham.gov.uk
