A RESIDENT has slammed the council’s planning process as ‘undemocratic’ as a controversial planning application in Winkfield Row looks set to be approved.
Melanie Andrews, who lives at Mushroom Castle cottage on Chavey Down Road, is one of nine neighbours who have objected to a proposal to build a new home at the back of two cottages in the village.
These cottages would be accessed via Mushroom Castle and residents who objected to the plan say the building of the new home would impact the character of Mushroom Castle and would constitute overdevelopment.
Melanie Andrews added: “This will have a hugely negative impact on the local area and environment.
“No other neighbour or local resident has supported it.
“It is clearly infill and does not benefit the local community in any way."
Despite this, planning officers at Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) have recommended the plan is approved as the new home would not have a harmful impact on the occupiers of the neighbouring properties.
Ms Andrews also told the News she felt BFC’s planning process was “very undemocratic.”
She explained: “I am very disappointed in the way the council engages the local community in these planning decisions.
“I can object or comment using an online form but with a maximum of 1,200 characters, and one member of the public can speak at the planning meeting, but for a maximum of three minutes.
“In short, I have 1,200 characters and three minutes to engage and provide testimony.
“This feels very undemocratic and not in the spirit of public engagement.”
But BFC hit back saying the authority welcomes comments from residents via email, post or petition and the 1,200 character limit only applies to the online form.
Andrew Hunter, BFC’s planning chief, said: “Each application has its own dedicated case officer to help residents with queries.
“Applicants also have the opportunity to speak at the planning committee, and in the interests of fairness, this is limited to three minutes for all parties.
“We provide support for residents who wish to comment on planning applications on our website, and we would encourage residents to follow this, to ensure they get the most out of their submission.”
The application will be decided at a virtual meeting of the planning committee on Thursday, June 18.
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