A huge scheme to build 169 flats in Bracknell town centre has been approved despite a supposed lack of parking spaces being provided.

The 169 flats will contained within three tower blocks in Market Street, closeby to the council’s Time Square offices and on the site of a former bus depot.

But concerns were raised over a lack of car parking spaces contained in the application.

There will be 92 new parking spaces provided as part of the development, with 56 spaces to be provided ‘off site’ in town centre car parks.

The total of 148 spaces is 21 below the amount of new flats.

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The lack of on site car parking was highlighted by councillor Robert Angell (Conservative, Bullbrook).

Cllr Angell said: “What is the point of having a parking policy if we’re not adhering to it?

“These developers know the policy, and they should accommodate the policy in their development, why don’t they?”

He also asked which future residents would be allocated parking spaces on site.

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.

Cllr Tina McKenzie-Boyle (Conservative, Crowthorne) argued the off site parking would “disadvantage shoppers” seeking to park in the town centre.

Officer McEvit replied that the town centre car parks already have a mixed use for shoppers, workers and residents.

The plan was approved by seven votes to two, with councillors Angell and Dorothy Hayes MBE (Conservative, Ascot) voted against it.

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Of the 169 flats that will be built, 105 will have two bedrooms, 55 will have one bedroom, and nine will be three bedroom apartments.

As for affordability, a total of 42 of the apartments will be affordable –  28 will be two bedroom and 14 will be one bedroom. 29 of these will be affordable rented properties, and 13 through shared ownership.

The 169 flats project was submitted by the Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership, a joint venture between Bracknell Forest Council and Countryside Properties to redevelop the town.

Last year, the partnership won approval to demolish Coopers Hill Youth and Community Centre and replace it with 52 homes.

As well as the three residential towers, outline approval was also given for a fourth block providing 2699 sqm of office space.

Reserved matters of that building, including its layout, scale and appearance will be decided at a future meeting.

You can view the approved plans for the development by typing reference 21/00707/OUT into the council’s planning portal here: https://planapp.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/online-applications/

Its approval means one of the biggest developments in Bracknell that were submitted last year will be going ahead.

Others include the 349 homes plan for the Bracknell Beeches site, an outline application for 126 apartments at the former home of Bracknell Town FC, and an application for 142 homes near Jennett’s Park.