A new housing development in Binfield will go ahead after planning obligations were agreed, despite residents’ concerns about the ‘dangerous’ access road. 

The initial application, which proposed the redevelopment of land between Turnpike Road and Cain Road for the construction of 27 houses, was first validated by Bracknell Forest Council in November 2019 – with the legal agreement framework completed this week. 

Technology company 3M UK PLC submitted the application, which outlines the main access from Turnpike Road, as well as associated vehicle parking and landscaping following the demolition of all existing buildings and clearance of the site. 

It received nine objections from residents, predominantly in relation to the proposed access road, as they feel Cain Road would be the more appropriate. 

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A resident of Tippits Mead, Steve Doran, said Turnpike Road is already “like a roller coaster” and in need of “urgent repair” as it is unable to cope with the current levels of traffic. 

Kevin Harvey of Pocket Close pointed out that the increased traffic on the road would “cause more danger to children crossing” to the nearby park and nursery school as cars “often speed round the bend”. 

The science-based technology business has had its headquarters located in Bracknell since 1978. Since 2004, the head office has been based at the 3M Centre on Cain Road. 

Binfield Parish Council recommended the application for refusal as the location is situated within an area outlined for employment. 

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The site, which measures approximately 1.29 hectares, currently contains three tennis courts, a single-storey pavilion building and a railway carriage, all of which are now disused and in a state of disrepair. 

Matters of layout, scale, appearance and landscaping are reserved until a later time, however, the application outlines a plan for the 27 houses to be made up of a mix of different sizes of up to 2.5 storeys, with a variety of car parking solutions including garages, driveways and parking bays. 

As well as the proposed Turnpike Road entrance, the submission also outlines a new walking and cycling connection onto Cain Road. 

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Other objections were made citing privacy concerns, with one neighbour explaining that the proposed access would mean cars could see “directly into [their] rear bedroom windows”, as well as over development in the area. 

Resident of Tippits Mead, Avis Gibbins, said: “The general feel of the town is that building flats [and] houses is happening on every bit of green or unused space and the area is already spoilt as a result.  

“Roads and infrastructure cannot cope with the influx of so many people and existing residents can no longer enjoy peace and quiet with absolutely no views apart from buildings and parked cars.”