Wokingham

Everyone with an interest in the future of the Wokingham district is set to be asked for their views as Wokingham District Council’s decision-making executive considers initial options for allocating sites for future development in the district at its meeting on Thursday July 27, 2006

Wokingham council is currently developing the Local Development Framework (LDF) – a set of documents that will guide development in the district from 2006 to 2026, replacing the current Local Plan. The process involves extensive public consultation, and this latest round, set to take place between August 30 and October 11, 2006, will ask people to consider:

* A list of sites submitted to the council as being suitable for future development
* Potential settlement, green gap, wedge and Green Belt boundaries
* Additional information to inform the council’s final preferred option for the LDF

Under the LDF process everyone in the Wokingham district was invited to submit any ideas they have of land where development might take place during this period. All of these proposals are set to be published at the July 27 meeting of the executive and will be subject to consultation as outlines above.

Any proposals to develop land will, of course, be subject to the usual planning process. Sites submitted under the process - by anyone, whether the council, other landowners, developers or independent individuals and groups - are not a commitment to development, but an exploration of options for the future that may or may not be realised.

Each of the Wokingham sites submitted will be tested against national planning policy along with any comments received during public consultations. Only those sites that best meet national policy and the views received will be chosen as part of the final preferred option.

The executive will also be asked to consider the LDF’s sustainability appraisal which aims to ensure that all plans take into account economic, environmental and social matters. The aim is to make sure any future developments have good access to the services they need (for instance transport links, retail centres and health facilities).

Executive member for local and regional planning Wokingham Cllr Gary Cowan said: “The council remains committed to protecting the district and controlling the amount of development, having made strong representation to the government to keep future housing numbers for the district as low as possible.

“We have to accept, however, that there will be some further development in the district and it is vital that people take part in the LDF process in order to make sure that we have a robust strategy in place for securing the highest quality development possible.

“Our aim is to work to meet the aspirations of our residents within the framework set by government and so we are asking that people let us know what they think of the initial options for allocating sites.”

If the initial Wokingham options are given the green-light by the executive, people can make their views known by emailing policyandplans@wokingham.gov.uk, faxing (0118) 974 6385 or by post to Development Plans Team, Strategy and Partnerships, Wokingham District Council, PO Box 157, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WR. People can also submit their views online at the council’s website: www.wokingham.gov.uk. All comments must be received by 5pm on October 11. Anyone with questions should contact the development plans team on (0118) 974 6478.

Wokingham District Council