COUNCILLORS decided on three controversial planning applications to build a number of homes around the borough last night (June 20).
Residents from Ascot, Binfield and Winkfield had been urging the council to take their side in approving or refusing the plans.
But councillors’ decisions are likely to leave locals from each area less than impressed.
Here’s what happened with each application.
Plans to build four homes on Fernbank Road, Ascot, following the demolition of two bungalows
Members of Bracknell Forest Council’s (BFC) planning committee gave these plans the green light despite strong opposition from a small group of councillors and residents.
Ascot councillor Dorothy Hayes was backed by Cllrs Gareth Barnard, Peter Heydon and others in opposing the scheme, pointing to concerns about the removal of social houses to make way for four family homes.
One resident highlighted the seven other bungalows on the road, saying: “If we approve this it will set a precedent for the rest of the bungalows to be upgraded.”
Chair Dudley moves the recommendation, before reminding councillors that "whilst it might seem emotive that bungalows are being replaced by houses, we have to deal with this on policy." Cllr Hayes makes clear she will not be voting for the application.
— Ollie Sirrell (@OllieSirrellLDR) June 20, 2019
Despite protests, councillors Dale Birch and Colin Dudley reminded councillors the plans did not breach any council policies, with the former adding: “I’ve heard a lot of emotion but not a lot of clear policy arguments.”
Eventually, members voted to approve the plans.
Plans to build two homes on North Street, Winkfield, following the demolition of a garage
This proposal was refused despite strong support from residents for it to go ahead.
Winkfield locals were eager to see the new homes replace the “shabby” and “run down” garage but council officers suggested the plans could not be approved as it would mean building on the green belt and removing a protected tree.
Nearly a dozen residents watched on as a number of councillors lent them their support, with a few, including Cllrs Thomas Parker, Cllr Moira Gaw and Cllr Tony Virgo, suggesting the tree’s loss would be a “sad sacrifice” but would be worth it to see two new homes built.
Cllr Gaw adds the report carries much more weight for the tree than it should do as it has been unloved and impedes on residential amenity. Cllr @thomasparker75 also says he won't support recommendation for refusal after claiming he "doesn't buy' the officer's tree worries
— Ollie Sirrell (@OllieSirrellLDR) June 20, 2019
But members Dorothy Hayes and Colin Dudley urged their colleagues not to back the plans, with the latter reminding his fellow Tory councillors they campaigned to prevent green belt development at last month’s local elections.
After an “emotional” debate, councillors voted to refuse the plans.
Plans to build three homes on Forest Road, Binfield, following the demolition of one bungalow
Residents and councillors had reservations about this proposal because of its potential impact on the character of the surrounding area.
Applicants already had permission to build two homes at this site but came back to the council to build one more.
Councillor Ankur Bhandari suggested the new homes would be “crammed” into the current space and would constitute overdevelopment and Chairman Colin Dudley said he had initial concerns about the density of the new buildings.
But Cllr Dale Birch gets behind the application, saying he can't see why it shouldn't be approved.
— Ollie Sirrell (@OllieSirrellLDR) June 20, 2019
But councillor Dale Birch hit back, saying he saw no reason for the application to be refused.
Councillors voted to approve the application, concluding a two-hour long planning meeting.
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