New Nursery and Planning Changes Approved in Bracknell

Planners in Bracknell and Wokingham this week dealt with four local schemes: a new nursery, a school nursery, a large antenna and a proposed garden pool.

BrightSteps Montessori School, Crowthorne Road North, Bracknell RG12 7AR: Bracknell Forest Council approved a full planning application to turn the former St Johns Ambulance Centre into a BrightSteps Montessori full‑day nursery with an outdoor play area. It will cater for children aged six months to five years, combining the Early Years Foundation Stage with a Montessori curriculum. The scheme reuses an existing community building near the station and nearby primary schools, and includes a secure close‑boarded outdoor play area with controlled gates and an Outdoor Noise Management Policy.

Four Oaks Barn, Warfield RG42 6JE: A retrospective application to keep a 24‑metre antenna and mast on previously developed commercial land was approved for a temporary three‑year period. The mast sits on a trailer base in a vehicle workshop yard, supported by guy‑wires and carrying two microwave dishes, with cabinets housed inside the barn. Although the site is in the Metropolitan Green Belt, the council said the limited footprint, visually permeable design and siting next to existing buildings did not cause substantial harm to openness. The installation operates on Ofcom‑licensed frequencies, is confirmed compliant with ICNIRP public exposure guidelines, and was approved from 1 July 2026 until 1 July 2029.

The Pond House, Winkfield SL4 4QU: A homeowner applied to install a below‑ground outdoor swimming pool with a timber pergola in the garden. Neighbours raised Green Belt concerns and a biodiversity officer noted the loss of grassland and that the pool would be close to a pond supporting great crested newts, recommending a construction environmental management plan and consultation with Naturespace. The lead local flood authority sought details on draining pool water without increasing flood risk. The application was withdrawn on 1 July.

Hawkedon Primary School, Earley: Wokingham Borough Council approved a full application for a single‑storey modular nursery building to replace an existing modular family centre on the same area of hardstanding. The council's ecology officer raised no objection and no bat survey was required. The permission, granted on 3 July 2026, is subject to standard conditions including commencement within three years, adherence to approved plans and materials, and restricted construction hours to weekdays and Saturday mornings only.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter