Local Trees Face Threat Amid Planning Dispute

Two much‑loved ash trees in Binfield, a Wokingham pub and an Ascot hotel feature in this week's planning roundup.

Knox Green Open Space, Terrace Road North, Binfield (Bracknell application number 25/00188/TRTPO)

A row has broken out between Bracknell Forest Council and Binfield Parish Council over two ash trees and so‑called chalara dieback - a serious, often fatal fungal disease with no cure. The disease blocks the tree's vascular system, causing leaf loss and crown dieback in mid‑to‑late summer.

The trees stand opposite Binfield Kitchen Chinese Take Away and Binfield Village Pharmacy. A botanist, Simon Hawkins, recommended reducing the crowns of tree 16 and tree 22 by 25% to protect them, and said tree 19 should be felled to ground level.

Bracknell Forest's Tree Service disagreed, saying there was "no discernable decline in crown density" and refused permission. Their report said:

"The Council considers that full-canopied mature trees are important to the ecology, amenity, and heritage of the Borough.

"Works to prune such trees must be mindful of tree health and arboricultural good practice.

"The proposed work in this instance is regarded as an unjustified diminishment of T16 & T22's outwardly viable condition."

The Royal Foresters Hotel, London Road, Ascot (Bracknell Forest Application 26/00009/FUL)

Bracknell Forest has approved plans to remove the existing stretch tent and pergola and install a more permanent external pergola over the eastern outdoor seating area. The new structure will use powder-coated aluminium and timber, with a retractable fabric roof, some fixed glazed roofing above the servery, and glazed and slatted screens to separate it from the car park to improve alfresco dining year‑round.

The council decided the modest works did not affect the openness of the green belt and owners would not have to show increased biodiversity afterwards.

The Rose Public House, Wokingham Market Place - Listed building consent (Wokingham application number 260594)

Brewery McMullen & Sons has been granted listed building consent for repairs and internal alterations at The Rose, a Grade II listed pub in Wokingham town centre. The scheme includes repairs to the single‑storey rear outbuilding roof with matching clay tiles, a new fire‑resistant ceiling lining to give 60‑minute separation and better noise insulation, and alterations on the first floor of the former stable block to create a two‑bedroom staff flat. The application was approved.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter