PROPOSALS to build nine homes in the Winkfield Row countryside are set to be approved despite the plans not being in line with the council’s building policies.

Developers want to put the apartments in a three-storey block at Winkfield Park after knocking down Brockhill House and a stable barn currently sitting at the site.

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The site is not located within a ‘defined settlement boundary’ meaning it is in the countryside.

But planning chiefs at Bracknell Forest Council recommend the proposal should go ahead despite it going against five of the authority’s own planning policies about building in the countryside.

This is because applicants already have planning permission to demolish the existing house and the new plan does not involve an increase in the size of the building previously approved.

Therefore, officers do not believe these new apartments will affect the character of the area or harm the countryside.

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An application for 15 homes at the site was refused planning permission in 2018.

Eight of the new homes proposed as part of this application would have two bedrooms, with the remaining flat having three bedrooms.

None of the homes would be affordable.

22 car parking spaces would be added at the site.

No letters of support or letters of objection were sent to BFC from residents or neighbours.

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Officers have recommended the plans are approved but councillors will make the final decision at a meeting of Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee on Thursday, May 21.

You can watch the meeting live from 6.30 pm using Microsoft Teams here: https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/attending-virtual-public-meetings