Thousands of homes are set to be built in Bracknell and Wokingham after getting approval this year.
As both Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough councils approve and refuse various planning applications – and as higher housing targets are set for both boroughs – we’ve got everything you need to know about some of the major developments coming to the area.
1,400 homes south of Waterloo Crescent, Wokingham
Plans dating back to 2019 to build a huge 1,434 homes on land south of waterloo crescent was approved by Wokingham Borough Council this year.
The massive estate will include a new primary school, local centre and play area – and will take Wokingham across the railway track for the first time in history.
The ongoing application was finally approved in July as part of the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location.
As such a large development, this won’t be complete for a while – it is estimated developers will finish construction by 2033.
226 homes between Bracknell and Crowthorne
A lengthy battle to build 226 homes between Bracknell and Crowthorne was finally won in March.
The Beauford Park estate, off Nine Mile Ride, was granted permission on a knife-edge vote by Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee.
Older plans had been rejected by the committee, which prompted developers to appeal, which was also lost.
However, newer plans were subsequently approved after debates over a loss of trees caused division between councillors.
119 apartments off the A329 motorway, Bracknell
A 12-storey block of flats, totalling to 119 apartments, is set to be built on land off Vigar Way and the A329 motorway.
It will be comprised of four apartment blocks and 12 houses, along with a new primary school, neighbourhood centre and recreation facilities.
It will be built close to the entrance to Bracknell town – something that was a cause for concern for Councillor Tony Virgo, in a planning committee meeting in August.
He blasted the designs as ‘resembling eastern Europe’ due to grey cladding planned for the building, which was not a suitable welcome for people driving into Bracknell.
350 homes in Barkham
A decision will soon be made for a controversial plan to build 350 homes in Barkham.
Developers first presented early proposals for the homes off Barkham Road in 2019, but there had been delays for approval.
More than 500 residents have objected to the plans which could see around 900 more cars on surrounding roads.
Many homes planned for village parishes such as Barkham, Finchampstead and Hurst are deeply opposed by residents worried about the impact new housing will have on their communities and local services.
Council officers have recommended approval for the plans, and a final decision will be made on Wednesday, September 11.
