Land in Wokingham could be sold off for millions of pounds to provide new affordable homes and a vital cash boost.
Wokingham is set to sell 7.7 hectares of land off Twyford Road for millions, aiming to create up to 160 eco-friendly homes for locals in need.
The Toutley East development was initially approved for 130 homes and a 68-bed dementia care home in July 2022. However, plans for the care home were put on hold in June 2023 due to rising costs.
Despite this, Wokingham Borough Council has successfully invested in care homes like Bluebell House and The Hollies, and is now looking to sell the site to boost housing and generate income.
About 43% of the new homes, roughly 67, are expected to be affordable. Cllr Stephen Conway, council leader, emphasised the ongoing financial challenges faced by councils, stating the proposal will provide essential housing and secure needed revenue.
The sale will follow a framework from Homes England, with expressions of interest sought this month and formal offers expected by year-end. A preferred bidder will likely be chosen early next year, with a planning application anticipated in the spring and completion by next autumn.
Any planning application will undergo public consultation, and developers will need to pay contributions to the council.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
