Planning for Wokingham Borough

Before the election I was asked about my attitude toĀ the possible constructionĀ of more homes in Grazeley when Wokingham next needs to find new areas for development after completing the four large areas currently underway.

I said I would want to know what investment would be needed in schools, surgeries, roads and other public facilities and how these would be paid for. I would also want some reassurance that making a plan around one main development for theĀ  next plan period would not leave us vulnerable to landowners and developers persuading Planning Inspectors to grant them additional planning permission elsewhere in the Borough. The Council may wish to concentrate the growth in one major new settlement but needs to know this will not be overturned.

I have been in discussions with Councillors and Ministers about these issues since the election. This post is to confirm that so far I haveĀ  not seen details on how either of these two matters would be resolved, so I am still pressing for more information. There is no great urgency, as there are still many planning permissions outstanding for the current plan period, where the Council has identified where it wishes the new homes to go. I remain open minded over how many homes could be accommodated in our area in the next plan period, and where they might best be delivered. I amĀ  very conscious of the strains placed on all our infrastructure by the pace of building under the current plan.

I will be supporting the Council on appeal where developers are trying to secure permissions outside the approved places under the current plan and where the Council asks for my assistance.

2 Comments

  1. Evan Owen
    November 20, 2017

    Councillors should stop blocking development and start planning for it.

  2. Chris White
    November 23, 2017

    Letā€™s hope the plans ensure the oak you planted in Grazeley is not dug-up.

    In short it sounds like your attitude is, if the development of Grazeley is the main development in the borough then it should be on the table if plans show that services and infrastructiure will support it.

    Sounds like a sensible attitude John.

    Reply We also need to worry about the total rate of build and the likelihood of losing appeals elsewhere.

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