Decision Looms on 39 Homes in Winkfield

A decision is due on plans for 39 homes on open space behind Carnation Hall, Chaveley Down Road, Winkfield Row.

At the Planning Committee on Thursday 11 June at 6.30pm councillors will decide whether to approve the scheme. It follows an outline permission granted in 2024; officers recommend approval subject to conditions.

The application covers appearance, landscaping, layout and scale only, not the principle of development. The 1.98-hectare site sits in the settlement area and is allocated for about 40 homes in the Bracknell Forest Local Plan.

The proposal is for one- to five-bedroom homes, including 14 affordable homes, plus parking, amenity and open space. Access would be from Gardeners Road; there would be no vehicle or pedestrian access from Mushroom Castle.

More than 30 nearby properties objected, citing loss of open space, trees, wildlife, drainage, traffic, parking and harm to local character.

Officers say the scheme retains key trees and hedgerows, provides open space buffers, and satisfies highways, drainage and biodiversity officers. They add the design is appropriate, with taller buildings on lower ground to reduce visual impact.

They judge the layout, house types and materials acceptable, say the scheme meets affordable housing requirements and remains tied to wider obligations including biodiversity, drainage, open space and Thames Basin Heaths mitigation. Approval is recommended subject to conditions on boundary treatment, cycle and visitor parking, visibility splays, window restrictions and drainage works.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter