Have Your Say on Wokingham's Future Development!

Residents have until Monday to respond to a new blueprint that will shape development for thousands of homes and businesses across Wokingham borough up to 2045.

The council is at the earliest stage of preparing its Local Plan, which will set out where new homes, businesses and key infrastructure should be built over the next two decades.

Landowners and developers have already put forward sites for consideration. Attention has now turned to what residents think should shape the plan, and parish councils are urging people to take part.

Finchampstead Parish Council says sites offered in its parish could accommodate nearly 2,000 homes. Potential locations include countryside land at Wheatlands Farm and Church Farm.

"At this stage we have no idea which sites WBC will adopt but if you want to have any say in which sites are chosen, now is the time to make your views heard."

Charvil Parish Council says development along the wider A4 corridor could amount to between 4,500 and 5,250 homes across areas including Charvil, Twyford, Ruscombe, Sonning and Wargrave.

It has warned of potential pressure on roads, local services and green spaces if significant development comes forward.

The sites have only been put forward for consideration. They have not been allocated for housing and there is no guarantee they will ever be built.

Wokingham is drawing up the Local Plan 2045 even though its previous Local Plan Update has not yet been adopted. That earlier plan is being examined by government-appointed inspectors, with adoption expected in 2027.

The council says national changes to the planning system mean it must start preparing the next plan now. The new Local Plan will guide decisions on housing, employment, town centres and infrastructure, and where development should be restricted to protect the natural and historic environment.

The consultation is the first formal chance for residents to influence the process and closes at 11.59pm on Monday, November 16. Responses can be submitted through Wokingham Borough Council's Engage consultation website or by emailing LP2045@wokingham.gov.uk.

Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter