Controversial plans to build homes and a new supermarket are among applications that have been submitted in our area this week.

The biggest plan to be submitted is the scheme to build 43 homes and a Lidl on much loved greenspace in Lower Earley. There are also plans for work to protected trees in Arborfield.

Over in Bracknell, a plan has been submitted to convert a hotel into apartments, and build a community and health centre at the massive Blue Mountain development.

READ MORE: Elite school and neighbours clash over sports pitches plan

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

To see plans in Wokingham, head to the borough council planning portal: https://planning.wokingham.gov.uk/FastWebPL/welcome.asp .

Plan to build 43 homes and new Lidl in Lower Earley (Wokingham app: 211686)

Bracknell News: Lidl Lower Earley. Credit:  DHA Architecture Ltd.

Controversial plans to build 43 homes and a new Lidl on land off Meldreth Way in Lower Earley have been submitted. 

Contractors caused an uproar when clearing work began on the proposed site in November last year.

A petition against the plan has already received over 900 signatures.

The developers Lower Earley Properties LTD state they intend to build a variety of homes from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses, with 40 per cent of all homes built being affordable.

Drivers would access the proposed Lidl from Lower Earley Way, with the housing estate accessed by car using Chatteris Way.

Tree work for a number of protected trees in Arborfield (Wokingham app: 210824)

Developers Crest Nicholson have applied to conduct work on protected trees at its site in Buttenshaw Close, Arborfield.

The work involves a number of tree species including oaks, poplars and horse chesnuts.

Crest Nicholson variously want to fell some of the trees to ground level, reduce the canopy of others and remove limbs and ivy from other protected trees.

The tree work forms part of the wider Arborfield Garrison Major Development.

READ MORE: The next massive development in Wokingham where 3,500 homes may be built

Proposed conversion of hotel into 11 apartments in Binfield (Bracknell app: 21/00460/FUL)

The owners of Fines Bayliwick House Hotel in Binfield have applied to convert the hotel into 11 apartments.

Each apartment would have two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living room. There would be four apartments on both the ground floor and the first floor, with a further three apartments on the second floor.

The hotel has 21 bedrooms. The bedroom on the second floor appears to be residential, as it comes with a kitchen, living room and bathroom.

The building would require extension and alteration works to convert it into residential apartments.

New community and health centre at Blue Mountain development (21/00459/3)

Bracknell News: Blue Mountain Community Centre interior. Credit: Bracknell Plan application 21/00459/3

Here, developers have applied to build a two-storey community and health centre at the Blue Mountain development in Wood Lane, Binfield.

The community centre will be built where the old golf club house used to be.

It is hoped the centre will provide a range of facilities and spaces to support community functions and activities including sport, leisure, group use, as well as a venue for weddings and parties.

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

Although the community centre and proposed GP surgery would be contained in one building, the GP surgery would be securely separated from the main community and public access areas of the building.

It would be smaller than the Kings Academy secondary school in Binfield, which was opened in 2019.

Permanent caravan for member of farming staff to allow rearing of game birds in Warfield (21/00248/FUL)

Here, the applicant has applied for a caravan to be located at Kingscroft Farm in Warfield all year long.

This is so that a member of staff can live in the caravan all year round to rear game birds such as pheasants and grouse.

At the moment, the caravan can only be used on a seasonal basis.

Also, the plan states the farm wants the incubation and hatching of eggs for game birds to change from a ‘seasonal’ operation to an “all year-round enterprise.”

Game birds are specifically bred for sport such as shooting or hunting.