The population of Wokingham and the surrounding areas will pass 200,000 in 10 years, it has been predicted.
Wokingham and its nearby areas are set to see their population exceed 200,000 in the next decade.
The borough, which includes Wokingham town, parts of Earley, Woodley, Shinfield, and surrounding villages, is projected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to grow by 12.2% by 2032.
Currently, the population sits at 181,383, with an expected increase of 22,105, reaching 203,488 within ten years.
Much of this growth is attributed to people relocating from other parts of England. The ONS estimates that net internal migration will add 11,353 individuals to the borough.
A significant 135,003 people are anticipated to move to Wokingham, while 123,650 will leave, yielding a net population rise of 6.3%.
Birth rates will also play a role, with more births than deaths contributing another 1.9% to the figures.
Between 2022 and 2032, the area is expected to experience 14,378 deaths and 17,853 births. Additionally, international migration is set to bring in 8,768 newcomers, despite 11,769 departing.
While Wokingham will attract 4,145 individuals from the rest of the UK, it will lose around 5,521 to other nations like Wales and Scotland, causing a slight net loss of 1,377.
In light of this growth, Wokingham Borough Council is strategically planning new housing developments in areas termed strategic development locations (SDLs) such as North and South Wokingham, and Arborfield Garrison.
The ongoing Local Plan Update includes a proposal for nearly 4,000 new homes in the Loddon Valley Garden Village project and initiatives to improve the road network, including the South Wokingham Distributor Road.
Recent projects that have been completed include the Shinfield and Arborfield relief roads, aimed at alleviating traffic pressure in the area.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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