ET Planning reflects on the hard work to date in achieving draft allocations on five separate sites within Wokingham’s Draft Local Plan.

Whilst landowners and developers eagerly await Wokingham’s next Local Plan consultation expected later this year, ET Planning’s Strategic Team reflects on the hard work to date in achieving draft allocations on five separate sites within Wokingham’s Draft Local Plan, following successful promotion of these sites so far through the Local Plan process (and some through the Neighbourhood Plan process). This follows the recent achievement of draft allocations in Bracknell’s and Mole Valley’s emerging Plans.

Illustrative map of the proposed Hall Farm/Loddon Valley SDL for 4,500 dwellings in Policy SS3. ET Planning have two sites zoned for residential within the proposed masterplan, following promotion on behalf of landowners (Source: WBC Revised Growth Strategy Consultation, Appendix G) 

The Significance of a Local Plan

Wokingham Borough Council consulted upon their revised Growth Strategy Consultation 2021-22 back in late 2021, with the consultation closing on 24th January 2022.  

A local plan is a critical component of the plan-led system. It influences decisions about how, where and how much development is carried out in an area, such as responding to demands for new homes and businesses. Its importance can’t be underestimated, as it significantly influences how communities shape over time. The Wokingham Borough Council’s Local Plan is no exception. On the flip side, the absence of a up to date Local Plan is significant and may lead to speculative development which has not been planned for.   

Successful Promotion of Sites on behalf of Landowners 

ET Planning provided representations to the relevant Wokingham Borough Council consultation on behalf of landowners; these representations supported the inclusion of these sites within the Local Plan.  

Prior to this, a number of the sites had been submitted to Wokingham via the Call for Sites consultation that took place in 2016 and included within the Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA). 

ET Planning has achieved draft allocations on the following sites: 

Land at Vine Farm, Betty Grove Lane, Sindlesham – This site falls within the proposed Hall Farm/Loddon Valley SDL which is proposed for a minimum of 4,500 dwellings in Policy SS3.   

Land at Willow Tree Farm, Betty Grove Lane, Sindlesham – This site falls within the proposed Hall Farm/Loddon Valley SDL which is proposed for a minimum of 4,500 dwellings in Policy SS3.   

Land at Rooks Nest Farm and 24 Barkham Ride – Proposed with a capacity of 270 dwellings in Draft Policy H2, following our promotion of 5BA032.  

Jovike, Lower Wokingham Road, Finchampstead – Proposed with a capacity of 15 dwellings in Draft Policy H2, following our promotion of. 5FI024. 

Westwood Cottage, Sheerlands Road, Finchampstead – Proposed with a capacity of 10 dwellings in Draft Policy H2, following our promotion of 5FI028. 

Illustrative map of the proposed Land at Rooks Nest Farm and 24 Barkham Ride allocation proposed with a capacity of 270 dwellings in Draft Policy H2, following our promotion of 5BA032.  

A backup plan? Dual promotion of sites through Neighbourhood Plan process

With the uncertainty and delays associated with the emerging Local Plan, ET Planning have also submitted representations on behalf of our clients to the Finchampstead Neighbourhood Plan in relation to the sites at Jovike and Westwood Cottage, which are located within the Parish.  

Through successful engagement, the Submission Finchampstead Neighbourhood Plan supports both sites for development, providing both clients with greater certainty about the development potential of their sites (should the emerging Local Plan be further delayed).  

At present, we are waiting for the Independent Examiners report to be published, in July with a referendum likely in September this year demonstrating how the making of a Neighbourhood Plan can follow a quicker process. This demonstrates the importance of a ‘twin track’ approach to site promotion.  

Thanks to the hard work of David Wetherill, Robyn Milliner, Rosie Brace, Sam Peacock, James Gellini and Gareth Jones for achieving this success! 

Connecting with ET Planning

ET Planning reflects on the hard work to date in achieving draft allocations on five separate sites within Wokingham’s Draft Local Plan, following promotion of these sites through the Local Plan process and some through the Neighbourhood Plan process. If ET Planning can support you please contact David Wetherill or Robyn Milliner in our Development & Strategic Planning Team on 01344 508048 or office@etplanning.co.uk