One of the biggest developments in Bracknell town centre that has been submitted recently has been approved.
At a recent council meeting, councillors on the planning committee approved a plan to build 169 apartments and an office building in the town centre.
But that was far from the most controversial application discussed at the meeting, which was held on Thursday, February 24.
Developers failed to convince the committee that adapted plans for nine homes in Tilehurst Lane in Binfield would mitigate flooding issues, and a plan for new open green space was narrowly approved after being hit with anti-social behaviour concerns.
The meeting was held virtually – which meant that councillors could only fully approve or reject plans if they agreed with the council officer’s recommendation.
To view each plan in detail in enter the planning reference in brackets into the search bar of the borough’s planning portal here: https://planapp.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/online-applications/.
169 flats in three towers in town centre approved (21/00707/OUT)
The plan for three apartment blocks and one office block in Market Street in Bracknell town centre was approved.
A total of 169 apartments will be built within three tower blocks, the biggest, block A, will contain 88 flats, block B will contain 52 flats and block C will have 29 flats.
Of the 42 affordable apartments, 28 will be two bedroom and 14 will be
one bedroom units.
A fourth block will be built to provide 2699 sqm of office space.
But concerns were raised about car parking provision. The plan provided for 92 new parking spaces, with a further 56 spaces being provided in existing town centre car parks.
Councillor Robert Angell (Conservative, Bullbrook) argued the parking arrangements were unfair.
Planning officer Margaret McEvit admitted the 56 off site parking spaces would have to be paid for either by future residents or the developers, but insisted a parking arrangement would have to be agreed with the council to ensure “a fair distribution” of spaces.
READ MORE: Biggest developments coming to Bracknell in 2022 that could change the town forever
The plan was submitted by the Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership, a joint venture between Bracknell Forest Council and Countryside Properties to redevelop the town, with another being Coopers Hill.
It was approved by seven votes to two, with councillors Angell and Dorothy Hayes MBE (Conservative, Ascot) voted against it.
Nine home plan in Binfield likely to be refused due to flooding issues (21/00141/FUL)
A plan to add nine homes to a 53 home development that was allowed on appeal in Tilehurst Lane in Binfield is set for refusal after the committee voted to reject it.
David Phillips, objecting, argued flooding issues in the area are insurmountable.
Planning agent Douglas Bond, speaking on behalf of JPP Land Ltd stated detailed ‘hydraulic monitoring’ has taken place and important adaptations have been made to the plan to mitigate the flood risk.
READ MORE: Five year land supply: the planning rule which allows more homes to be built in Bracknell
It was previously discussed in November last year, with fears over flooding raised, prompting developers to give more information on drainage.
However, attempts to convince the committee failed, refusing it by seven votes to five.
Because planning officer Jo Male recommended it for approval, it must now be decided at a physical meeting of the committee.
Plan for open new green space in Warfield narrowly approved (19/00841/FUL)
A plan to transform farmland into a Suitable Area of Natural Green Space (SANG) in Warfield was narrowly approved despite concerns about anti-social behaviour.
The SANG will contain a circular footpath, new trees and two ponds, and will be accessed off Malt Hill, with a 16 space car park.
Cllr Tony Virgo (Conservative, Winkfield & Cranbourne) raised fears a neighbouring farmer could have his animals taken and suffer harassment unless the plan was adjusted.
He said: “If we have to have the SANG, put a gate on it.
“I’ve lived in Australia for a long time of my life and they would never, never, never have a park or SANG without security.”
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Cllr Virgo suggested that the car park be moved to Warfield Parish Church instead.
However, cllr Colin Dudley (Conservative, Crown Wood), the chairman of the committee, said it would have to have a car park in order for it to be a SANG.
Ultimately, it was approved by seven votes to five, with cllr Michael Gbadebo (Conservative, Great Hollands South) abstaining.
An amendment to the conditions means that the council will explore closing the car park at night to deter anti-social behaviour.
Drainage approved for 19 home development at Warfield farm (21/00427/FUL)
Here, the committee approved a drainage plan for a 19 home development at North Lodge Farm in Warfield.
The 19 home scheme received outline approval in April 2019, but the developer Nathan Craker had to submit acceptable drainage plans to the council.
Planning officer Katie Andrews explained the drains would take water and sewage to the north of the site, to be deposited into a drainage ditch.
The drainage plan was approved by eight votes to three, with cllrs Virgo, Bhandari and Barnard voting against it.
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