OPINIONS on how Bracknell Forest should look in 20 years' time are being sought.

Work has begun on the new Bracknell Forest Local Plan with the first consultation going live today (Monday, June 13).

The consultation will consider options for where new developments should go (but not specific locations) and options for policies the council uses to make decisions on planning appication. 

The aim is to help shape the plan's vision, objectives, the range of issues it will cover and suggested approach to planning policies.

The options for the location of future developments include building on large or smaller sites on the edge of settlements, and building more within existing settlements.

Cllr Chris Turrell, executive member for planning and transport, said: "The council needs a new local plan to update our current documents to ensure they are fully aligned with national policy.

"It is very important to have up-to-date policies to avoid development happening in an unplanned way."

Residents are also being asked their views on whether the current way planning applications are decided covers the right topics.

Current proposals include development in the Green Belt or countryside, the types of housing, the character and design, the heritage/ conservation; transport; and many more.

Following new government guidance on how councils should work out housing figures, an estimated 635 new homes are needed each year in Bracknell Forest between 2013 and 2036 – a total of 14,605. 

So far, a total of 8,577 homes have either been built, been granted planning permission, or have been allocated to sites (as of the beginning of April 2015).

A further 6,000 new homes still need to be allocated

Cllr Turrell added: "While housing is an important factor, the plan covers all types of development. We also need to consider buildings such as offices, shops, schools, community centres and so on to ensure residents don’t just have homes in the borough, but also job opportunities and the best services and facilities.

"At this stage of the plan, we are not suggesting any particular sites for development. This consultation is to help us ensure we have a shared vision for the future.  It will help consolidate our knowledge of residents’ preferences, especially when it comes to the kind of locations that should be prioritised for development and what policies we need to consider when determining planning applications.

"This will help us take the Local Plan forward to its next step."

The final plan will take into account national policy, technical evidence, sustainability and site availability, as well as feedback from residents as a result of consultation.

To comment on the consultation visit http://consult.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/portal/planning, email development.plan@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or write to Development Plan Team, Bracknell Forest Council, Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, RG12 1JD

The consultation closes on Monday, July 25 and the aim is to have a draft lcoal plan ready for consultation in summer 2017. 

The aim is to have a draft local plan ready for consultation in summer 2017 which would need to be passed by an independent inspector.