BETTER infrastructure is needed for future housing developments in Wokingham, a public consultation has found.

The next batch of housing plans in the town are being considered by Wokingham Borough Council following a public consultation in which members of the public advised the council on future developments.

Feedback from residents has shown the need for better roads, schools, open space, and healthcare provision in areas where new homes will be built in future.

Wokingham Borough Council says it is taking steps to ensure the early planning required to support this is in place.

Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, leader of the council, said: "Wokingham Borough Council is listening to the public and following feedback as it continues to develop its Local Plan Update to deliver the legally-required housing in high-quality developments with the right infrastructure in the right locations.

"We are required by law to accept extra housing and it is our job is to plan for it as best we can. This is so we can provide excellent homes with the roads, schools, public transport, sports facilities and community centres necessary to maintain the borough’s great quality of life.

“Deciding where we can and cannot accept development is a long process and final decisions will not be made until 2019 when the new Local Plan will be adopted.

"There has been speculation about issues such as Green Belt but it is vital at this stage that residents recognise nothing has been decided and there will be a lot more public consultation to come."

Wokingham Borough Council is required by government to allocate significant land for housing and has done so through the current Local Plan. However, developers have been submitting applications for development outside of the land allocated.