The DECISION to build a country park at a popular location will be discussed at a council meeting next Tuesday (February 12).

Bracknell Forest Council's executive will discuss when the work at Horseshoe Lake will happen, proposals and gaining planning permissions to start the development process.

Horseshoe Lake is a beloved site, used by many living in and around Sandhurst and is expected to open as a country park in 2021.

Ian McCracken, executive member for culture, resources delivery and public protection, said: "Horseshoe Lake is an extremely popular location for walking and water sports.

"We are excited to be able to explore the possibility of creating the borough's first country park there which will make the site even more appealing, accessible and educational for visitors."

The community have requested the new redeveloped site to include toilets, baby change facilities, a cafe, picnic area, parking upgrades and water sports activities to continue.

In terms of the play area, it is proposed to include a sandy inland beach with times for paddling and the parking upgrades to ensure the site can cater for existing and future demand of visitors.

Horseshoe Lake currently runs as a Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) so if plans go-ahead, then the executive would need to increase the natural feel of the site.

This would be carried out through an improved layout, natural materials, extensive landscape enhancements and the educational information to increase public understanding of the surrounding natural habitats and conservation.

If plans are approved and the decision is taken to expand the existing area into a country park then the public will be invited to have their say on the designs and layout of the new site through the planning application process.

Partial funding for the new country park would come from the sale of two council-owned residential properties which had previously housed Parks and Countryside staff until October 2018.