Wokingham

A council that actively fights the Government's house building plans is to publish its own design guide to ensure those that are built meet Wokingham authority's exacting standards.

Wokingham Council's decision-making executive has given the thumbs up to a guide that ensures a 'robust defence' of the district's 'unique character'.

According to the council, the guide will give usable, focused and well-illustrated guidance to influence any housing scheme in the district, whether large or small.

Wokingham Council says it is facing increasing pressure to accommodate high housing numbers at greater densities to meet Government guidance and is looking at ways to minimise the impact on the countryside, urban open spaces and the established and varied character of the existing built-up areas.

Executive member for Wokingham local and regional planning Councillor Gary Cowan said: “We know that our residents are concerned about maintaining the very distinct characters of our towns and villages and therefore it is vital to adopt robust guidance to ensure sympathetic design for any new development.”

24dash com ~ Wokingham ~ 2005-12-06