A controversial plan to build a new housing development and dementia care home on Twyford Road has been postponed pending a site visit. 

Councillors at a recent planning meeting opted for the site visit to determine the viability of the proposal after disagreements meant a decision could not be reached.  

Objections were raised regarding safe access, noise levels, transport links and the risk of flooding. 

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The submission proposes building 130 dwellings, of which 35 per cent would be affordable housing, and a 70-bed care home, designed specifically for dementia patients, to the west of Twyford Road in Wokingham. 

The site, which lies adjacent to the Toutley Road industrial estate, is in a location meant to be reserved for employment and businesses, as outlined in the approved local plan. 

However, work is currently under way on an updated local plan and, since there hasn’t been any interest in using the land for commercial purposes, planning officers now consider this is no longer the best use of it and are supporting residential development. 

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Councillor for Arborfield Ward, Gary Cowen, said: “How can we move away from an approved local plan to an unapproved local plan and say the unapproved plan trumps the local plan, it doesn’t.” 

The proposal has received objections from both residents and councillors who feel that the site is not appropriate for either houses or a care home. 

Noise assessments indicated that it would exceed recommended levels in some areas and many dwellings would require triple glazing windows, as well as keeping them shut, to not be impacted. 

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The access point being situated at point of reduced visibility on a fast road and a lack of nearby transport links were amongst other concerns raised by the committee. 

Councillor for Emmbrook South, Rachel Bishop-Firth, said: “We need more social housing and affordable homes in the borough, and I agree that we need more care home beds to meet the needs of our aging population. But these […] must be put in suitable locations and Toutley East is not. 

“This is a proposal to use a noisy piece of land, very close to the motorway and on an industrial depot to house those who have the least choice on where they live, those on lower incomes and those needing old age care.” 

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The site is also bordered by the A329M to the north and a tributary of the Emm Brook to the south, which has given rise to flooding concerns. 

Councillor for Hillside Ward, Pauline Jorgensen, made the formal proposal to request a site visit ahead of determination in order to “have a really good look at the surroundings.” 

“I’m concerned that the site is a bit isolated.” 

The plan will now be voted on upon conclusion of the visit.