Planning Clash Over Controversial Winkfield Homes Proposal

Politicians clashed with officers and developers as a decision loomed on a proposal to build 39 homes in Winkfield Row.

At the Planning Committee on 11 June councillors erupted over plans to build on open space behind Carnation Hall, close to a narrow lane called Mushroom Castle.

The detailed scheme follows an outline permission from 2024. Officers recommended approval for a 1.98-hectare site allocated in the Bracknell Forest Local Plan for about 40 dwellings.

The proposal includes a three-storey block of flats, a mix of one- to five-bedroom homes, 14 affordable homes, parking, amenity space and access from Gardeners Road only.

More than 30 nearby properties objected, citing loss of open space, trees, wildlife, drainage, traffic, parking and harm to local character. Ecology was a major concern: the site is a haven for badgers.

On behalf of residents Jessica Vergeer said the proposed footpath and cycle route was 'unsafe and unsuitable' and described the open space as a 'living ecosystem used daily by badgers, hedgehogs, foxes and deer," which move between Whitegates, Parkside and the surrounding area as part of an established feeding routine. She said: "The ecology information submitted with this application is outdated, incomplete, and does not reflect the current activity on the site," and dismissed proposed badger doors as 'not a recognised mitigation measure' which risk excluding hedgehogs.

Kevin Scott, speaking for Olivia Homes, accepted some biodiversity net gain (BNG) would be off-site and did not have the figures to hand. After he spoke he was seen to tip his head back and whisper: "Biodiversityyyy!"

Councillor Tony Virgo said a rumour of only one percent on-site biodiversity net gain made him visibly angry. He said: "I'm sorry to keep on but I'm excited about this one. It drives me insane. It just makes a nonsense of our policy absolutely.

He used the words of King Charles to describe the proposed block as a 'carbunkle. He said: "That building is going to stick out like a sore thumb."

Councillors declined to remove the application from the agenda but voted to send the design back to the drawing board. A motion to defer the decision, proposed by Cllr Tony Virgo and seconded by Cllr Mary Temperton, will bring the plans back to committee at a later date.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter