A junction between Bracknell and Wokingham is set for vital works to improve journeys for thousands of new and existing residents.
Peacock Lane runs from the Jennett's Park estate in an east-to-west direction, linking up with Waterloo Road heading to Wokingham.
The area south of Wokingham is currently undergoing construction that will see approximately 2,500 new homes built.
Along with that, the South Wokingham Distributor Road is also being established, running from the Eastern Gateway roundabout to the Tesco Superstore in Wokingham.
Slightly to the east of the route is the Peacock Lane junction with Old Wokingham Road and Waterloo Road.
The turning for Easthampstead Park Hotel, run by Active Hospitality, is nearby, as is the Oakwood Climbing Centre.
The junction is currently characterised by a bend as Peacock Lane becomes Old Wokingham Road, with Waterloo Road.
An improvement will see the junction become a roundabout.
For the roundabout to be created, Bracknell Forest Council needs to agree a 'partial surrender of the land', as the junction is located at the boundary between Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough.
The council's cabinet, made up entirely of Labour councillors, is set to make the decision today (Tuesday, July 14).
In an introduction, councillor Guy Gillbe (Labour, Easthampstead & Wildridings), cabinet member for planning, transport and countryside, stated: “Peacock Lane is an important local connection between Bracknell Forest and
Wokingham, and the junction with Old Wokingham Road and Waterloo Road needs to function safely and effectively as planned development comes forward.
“The improvements considered form part of the wider transport infrastructure
required to support that growth and to provide better movement for drivers,
pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.”
Cllr Gillbe noted that permission to turn the junction into a roundabout has been granted under Bracknell planning application 24/00802/FUL, which was approved in February this year.
He then explained that the decision is related to the legal governance arrangements to enable Wokingham council to deliver the approved works in Bracknell Forest.
Highlighting the benefits, Andrew Hunter, Bracknell council's executive director for place, stated: “The proposed roundabout will help improve the safe movement of traffic through the Peacock Lane/Old Wokingham Road/Waterloo Road junction compared to the existing arrangement.
“The scheme, in combination with separate wider highway
improvement works along Peacock Lane and Waterloo Road, will also provide a vastly improved connection for pedestrians and cyclists.
“This will be achieved through the introduction of dedicated facilities to form a
continuous active travel network between boroughs of Bracknell and Wokingham.
“Connectivity of public transport will also be improved by creating achievable access along Peacock Lane and Waterloo Road and the incorporation of new bus stops.”
The cabinet has therefore been asked to surrender the land to Wokingham council, with all transactional landlord and tenant costs to be paid by Wokingham.
