Bracknell Planning Updates: Housing and Tree Controversies

Plans to turn a Bracknell office into 31 homes, the refusal of a 44-home scheme near Riseley and proposals to cut down a protected oak over an alleged £85,000 repair bill are among the latest planning developments across Bracknell and Wokingham.

31 homes at Arlington Square
An application seeks to convert Unit 6 at Arlington Square West from commercial to residential, creating 31 homes under permitted development rules. Bracknell Forest Council validated the application on 27 October; consultation runs until 17 November. Application ref: PA/2026/1004.

44 homes near Riseley refused
Wokingham Borough Council refused an outline plan for up to 44 homes north of Sun Lane on 23 October, saying the site is outside Riseleys defined settlement limits and would be an "unjustified encroachment" into the countryside. Planners also cited limited access to services, likely car reliance and missing agreements on affordable housing, biodiversity, recreation and highways. Application ref: 260774.

Protected oak could be removed
An application at 32 Bartholomew Place would remove one protected oak and reduce anothers canopy by at least 30 per cent, citing root influence on the buildings foundations. The applicant estimates repair costs of 3,76,032 if trees remain versus 9,387.85 if work goes ahead, with a possible total of 85,419.85 by an alternative method. Reports include engineering, arboricultural, soil and root assessments. Application ref: PA/2026/0978.

Changes to 47-home office conversion
Amendments have been submitted to alter conditions and parking for the prior-approved conversion of The Braccans on London Road into 47 homes. Consultation runs until 16 November. Application ref: PA/2026/0942.

Warfield community hub tweaks
A non-material amendment has been lodged for the Priory Fields community hub at Newell Green. The wider approved scheme includes a cafe, sports hall, dance and fitness studio, flexible community space, new parish offices, a play area, pitch improvements and greenway and bridleway links. The development is targeting operational net zero and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Application ref: PA/2026/0954.

School attic to add space for 16 pupils
Reddam Houses Early Learning School in Sindlesham got listed building consent on 20 October to convert attic storage into about 55 sq m of learning space to accommodate 16 extra pupils. Plans include an open-plan classroom, breakout room and two childrens toilets, with historic features such as sash windows and lath and plaster ceilings to be retained unless agreed otherwise. Application ref: 261514.

Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter