Fears Rise Over 1,100 New Homes Proposal

Confusion is deepening in a central Berkshire community amid fears far more homes could be pushed into the village.

At a meeting on Thursday 23 July the chair of Wokingham Without parish council will ask questions about the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location (SDL).

The parish - from south of Wokingham town through Heathlands, Gardner's Green and Nine Mile Ride to the northern edge of Crowthorne - is currently allocated 1,875 homes in the SDL. Campaigners say a proposed "SDL extension" could add up to 1,100 more, pushing the total towards 3,000.

The row will be taken directly to Wokingham Borough Council by parish chair Nicholas Martin, who is expected to ask:

"It is noted that the Local Plan currently being assessed by the government inspector includes the already approved 1,875 dwellings in the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location (SDL) but, and perhaps you can confirm this, seems to allow for an additional 1,100 dwellings, previously referred to as the SDL extension.

"We note that, at the time of submitting this question, these additional 1,100 do not yet have planning permission, and Wokingham Without Parish Council, along with many residents, object to them - not least on the grounds that enough is enough, particularly given ongoing development nearby in Bracknell Forest.

"Is Wokingham Borough Council supporting the additional 1,100-dwelling development?”

But the likelihood of houses being cancelled is low. Planning inspectors are still approving developments against Wokingham’s will because there is a ’tilted balance’ in favour of development locally until the council meets the government’s 5-year housing land supply target.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter