As ever, it has been a busy week for planning in BRACKNELL as a number of applications have been decided on and submitted.

Exciting plans for a new Sports Direct in Bracknell have surfaced, and in Sandhurst, a plan has been lodged to replace a bungalow with six homes.

Meanwhile, Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee held a virtual meeting on Thursday, May 20 to discuss two plans.

READ MORE: Decision on US TV filming plans in Swinley Forest delayed

Although all council meetings are meant to take place in the borough chambers from now on,  the committee was allowed to conduct the meeting virtually, as long as the decisions themselves were delegated to planning officers based on there recommendations.

Councillors Tina McKenzie Boyle, Ankhur Bandhari and Michael Skinner, all Conservatives, were absent from the meeting, and therefore could not vote.

These were the plans that were delegated to the Head of Planning for approval at the meeting:

Changes to conditions for plan to demolish one home and replace it with five others in Winkfield Row (21/00018/CON)

The committee received a presentation for changes to a current application and replace it with five others at Congywood in Mushroom Castle, Winkfield Row.

A neighbour, Clare Jenkins, argued that the work has been destructive. She said:  “There is substantial damage to the hedgerow already from other work being carried out… and work planned will have an irreversible effect to the setting of our small lane, and the hedgerow itself. This is something we the residents are devastated by.”

The committee voted by 14 votes to send the application to the council’s Head of Planning for approval subject to conditions.

READ MORE: New Golf Plex set to open at major development in Bracknell

Build of four-bedroom barnhouse on farmyard in Binfield (20/00585/FUL)

Bracknell News: Barn Style House Binfield

A four-bedroom barnhouse will be built on land south of Foxley Lane in Binfield.

The new home will come with a car port with space for two cars. The home will have access to the road network via Murrell Hill Lane.

The committee voted by 14 votes to one to send the application to the council’s Head of Planning for approval subject to the completion of an S106 agreement and conditions.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED 

To get more details for plans within Bracknell Forest, enter the planning reference at https://planapp.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/online-applications/.

Plan for new Sports Direct in old Sainsbury’s unit at Princess Square (21/00433/FUL)

Bracknell News: Princess Square Exterior

Sports Direct could be taking over the old Sainsbury’s in Princess Square, according to planning documents.

A cover letter for the plan, by Deloitte Estates, claims that the old Sainsbury’s is to be divided to make way for a Sports Direct, Evans Cycles and USC clothing store, with Sports Direct taking up the most space. All theses brands are owned by the Fraser Group.

The proposals also include modernising the exterior of the unit, removing an outdated canopy, and building a new set of steps opposite the entrance to the store in Braccan Walk. The existing steps in Princess Square would be reduced in width.

READ MORE: The four Bracknell Forest sites set for 3,343 homes

Work to Wetherspoons in Bracknell (21/00406/LB)

Bracknell News:

Wetherspoons has applied to replace its aircon, change its ducting system and slatted windows at The Old Manor in Bracknell.

The plan from DVA architects states the work is needed to provide a safe and comfortable working environment for the customers and staff.

A plan has to be submitted because The Old Manor is a Grade II listed building dating back to the 15th Century.

Plan to replace bungalow with six homes in Sandhurst (21/00380/FUL)

Bracknell News: Sandhust Plan

Here, the applicants are seeking to knock down a bungalow with a large amount of front and rear garden space and replace it with four three-bedroom homes and two three-bedroom homes.

The planning statement states the bungalow is in a “much larger than average plot”, and plans include designs for the six new homes that will be built.

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