A MULTI-MILLION pound housing application has been submitted by the council, with residents invited to give feedback.

The Gorse Ride development will cost Wokingham Borough Council £30 million, and will see residents homes demolished and rebuilt with nicer buildings.

The first phase of this project, covered by the current planning application, focuses on Cockayne Court, along with homes on Arnett Avenue, and 154 Barkham Ride.

If all stages are approved, the overall development will see 208 properties replaced with roughly 290 new homes, a mix of one-bed, two-bed and apartments.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for housing, said: “From our ongoing surgeries and meetings with residents, they’ve been involved early on in shaping their new estate.

“We want to safeguard Gorse Ride’s rich and vibrant community. We know that many – both tenants and home owners – are keen to stay on the estate and we’re pleased to have a plan that will allow them to do so. It’s all about providing high-quality homes in a great community.

“Please do take a look at the application during the consultation period, and submit your feedback. This is a pivotal stage in this exciting project.”

Not everbody is on board with the plans, however, as one resident wrote to object to the idea.

Manoj Datta, of Arnett Avenue, wrote: "This development does not add any value to homes on the street. It will increase the percentage of council houses vs private owned to a point where it will be deemed an estate. The development should encourage private ownership. There is already issues with anti-social behaviour and the development will only serve to worsen the behaviours."