Politicians in Bracknell have approved plans for 29 new homes at Bucklers' Park, in the northern corner of the old TRL test track off Nine Mile Ride.
Bracknell Forest Council's planning committee voted unanimously on 21 May to extend the existing development onto land that had been earmarked for a municipal depot. The scheme will also deliver 1.92 hectares of open space, including a children's play area.
Councillors visited the site beforehand. Cllr Mary Temperton said: "We went on Saturday - some of us went to the site. I'm glad I visited it because the space [for a play area] is there. It's flat and it's good.
"I think this is a really positive development with play areas for children that are desperately needed around the whole of Bracknell Forest. And we've got 10 affordable houses. I think this is a very favourable proposal."
The development will mix two- to five-bedroom homes, with 10 classed as affordable housing (35% of the scheme) including social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership. Homes will follow an extension of Hailwood Avenue and link into walking and cycling routes; three previously approved homes will be repositioned.
Environmental measures include new habitats, wildlife protections and contributions to mitigate impacts on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. Planning officers noted the site sits outside the borough's settlement boundary and had been allocated for a depot and open space, but said the council can't show a five-year housing land supply so national policy's "tilted balance" applies. Officers concluded the housing, affordable homes and extra green space justified approval and that removing the depot use would likely reduce traffic.
Cllr Tina MacKenzie-Boyle said: "We're fulfilling our duty across our community. We are looking at affordable housing and we are looking at the children as well - their wellbeing and their welfare." Cllr Jenny Penfold described the scheme as a "very positive development".
Planning officers recommended approval and councillors backed the proposal without opposition.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
