850 homes approved for Wokingham despite resident objections

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 8 Oct, 16:24 · Archive

Plans for 850 new homes on farmland south of Wokingham have been recommended for approval despite more than 200 objections.

Planning officers at Wokingham Borough Council have recommended approval of 850 new homes proposed by Lightwood Strategic at Priors Farm, west of Old Wokingham Road. The scheme would transform 56 hectares of agricultural land into a new urban extension including up to 850 homes, a neighbourhood community centre, public open space, allotments and land for a primary school. The development would change the character of the area from countryside to an urban edge.

The recommendation comes despite 218 objections from residents and parish councils raising concerns about traffic, pressure on local services, flooding, the loss of countryside and the impact on the gap between Wokingham, Crowthorne and Bracknell. Planning officers acknowledge the scheme would result in the loss of around 56 hectares of agricultural land, including almost 50 hectares of the highest-quality 'best and most versatile' farmland.

Planning officers have recommended the application for approval, subject to a legal agreement securing affordable housing, education, healthcare, transport improvements and other infrastructure. The report concludes that the benefits of the scheme outweigh concerns over the loss of countryside, traffic pressures and other impacts. Councillors will decide whether to approve the scheme when it comes before Wokingham Borough Council's planning committee next week.

How it is being reported

• Wokingham begins hunt for land to meet government's 1,300-homes-a-year targetResidents are being asked where thousands of new homes should be built as Wokingham Borough Council begins work on a new planning blueprint for the area.Bracknell News · 8 Oct, 16:00
• Wokingham begins hunt for land to meet government's 1,300-homes-a-year targetResidents are being asked where thousands of new homes should be built as Wokingham Borough Council begins work on a new planning blueprint for the area.Reading Chronicle · 8 Oct, 16:00
• 850 new homes recommended for approval in fields south of WokinghamPLANS for 850 new homes on farmland south of Wokingham have been recommended for approval despite more than 200 objections from residents and parish councils.Bracknell News · 8 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Lightwood Strategic · Wokingham Borough Council · Wokingham · Priors Farm

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