Wokingham Borough Council reiterate objections to Westcott housing development

Wokingham Borough Council have reiterated their intention to defend their refusal of planning permission to a property development of 54 homes in the borough.

The council this week issued a statement refuting reports that permission for the St. Anne's Drive/London Road development, had been granted.

Initially Council refused the Westcott Ward application on four grounds in December 2021. The developer, Beaulieu Homes, then sought an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate. That appeal is due to be heard next month. In their statement the local council confirmed they still object to the plans.

The Council statement outlined that: "The committee originally refused the scheme for four reasons:

1. The impact on the undeveloped "gap" separating Wokingham from Bracknell
2. The impact on protected trees on the site
3. Failure to secure a contribution towards affordable housing
4. Failure to secure infrastructure to offset the impact of development

"Since then, we've been advised that the first two grounds are no longer valid so it wouldn't be helpful to defend them.

"We therefore won't present evidence to support these points and the appeal will continue on the third and fourth grounds only, as we continue to negotiate these issues with the appellant."

The Council also confirmed that: "We'd also like to assure anyone who commented on the original application that their views will be forwarded to the planning inspector, who will take them into account before making their decision."

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