Wokingham

Everyone with an interest in the future of the Wokingham district is being asked for their opinions on over 200 sites that have been suggested as being suitable for future development.

Wokingham District 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, taking place between August 30 and October 11, 2006, will ask people to consider:

* A list of more than 200 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.

Wokingham People can make their views known by visiting www.wokingham.gov.uk/ldf-siteoptions and completing the online survey; collecting a paper copy of the questionnaire from the council’s Shute End offices in Wokingham and any library in the district and Crowthorne library; calling (0118) 974 6478 to request a copy of the survey or emailing policyandplans@wokingham.gov.uk.

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 have now been published and local groups, organisations, residents and businesses are being asked for their views on the suitability, or otherwise, of the sites.

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. Just because a site has been suggested, does not mean it will be accepted for development.

Each of the 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.

Leader of Wokingham council Cllr Frank Browne said: “The council has been working as hard as it can to limit the amount of development in the district, fighting hard against proposals from government to increase the number of new houses to be built in the district.

“At the same time, however, we have to work to ensure that whatever development we do take is of as high a quality as possible, and in the most suitable locations. This is why it is vital that local people have their say, helping us to try and meet the aspirations of our residents within the framework set by government. I would urge everyone to let us know what they think.”

Anyone submitting comments should do so by 5pm on October 11. Anyone with questions should contact the development plans team on (0118) 974 6478.

Wokingham District Council