Bracknell and Wokingham weekly planning round up

In Bracknell there has been a plan submitted proposing to install a 15 metre 5G pole on Duke’s Ride in Crowthorne, as well as a prior approval application to part-convert a former retail unit into two new flats. 

In Wokingham a plan has been submitted proposing to construct an additional floor and build five flats above three Woodley shops, as well as a an application of lawfulness to use land on Heathlands Farm for the siting of mobile homes. 

To view each plan in detail in Bracknell Forest enter the planning reference in brackets into the search bar of the borough’s planning portal here: https://planapp.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/online-applications/.          

To see plans in Wokingham Borough, head to the council’s planning portal: https://planning.wokingham.gov.uk/FastWebPL/welcome.asp. 

Application to install 15m 5G pole in Crowthorne (22/00807/RTD) 

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) has submitted a prior approval application to erect a 15m 5G monopole on Duke’s Ride in Crowthorne. 

It comes following the refusal of a similar application in September 2021, the applicant believes the reasons for refusal have been addressed by adjusting the proposed location 256m further east on Duke’s Ride. 

There has also been a change to the design of the equipment, with the height reduced to 15m and moving to a more slimline design. 

The chosen site is on an adopted verge, which the applicant states provide “lots of screening” of the equipment by surrounding trees. 

Prior approval application to part-convert retail unit into flats (21/01038/PAE) 

A prior approval application has been made that proposes converting the rear section of the former Peacocks retail unit at 26 High Street into two two-bedroom flats.   

Five flats were built on the upper floor of the premises following approval of planning permission in 2021 – collectively known as MiFlats.   

The latest application would replace part of the ground floor and first floor shop spaces with flats, as well as retaining a 204 square metre retail unit on the ground floor.   

Resident and delivery access to the premises would remain at the rear of the site, with areas allocated for a waste storage area and communal internal cycle store.   

Prior approval granted to build five flats above shops in Woodley (222868) 

A prior approval application for the construction of an additional floor for flats above units one, two and three at 59 Crockhamwell Road has been approved. 

The application, submitted by property development company Riverflow Reading Limited, proposes the construction of five flats on the additional floor - comprising one studio, as well as two one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments. 

The first unit is occupied by hardware supplier Robert Dyas, the second by Children’s charity Benardos, whilst the third has been vacant since 2020.    

The site would also have space for cycle storage, located to the rear of the building at ground floor level. 

Application for permission to use farmland for siting of mobile homes (223019) 

A plan has been submitted proposing the lawful use of land at Heathlands Farm for the siting of mobile homes and associated operational development. 

The application is made on behalf of premium berry growers Hall Hunter LPP, who are the owners of Heathlands Farm on Honey Hill. 

The applicant has provided evidence demonstrating that the site has been used continuously for the siting of 41 mobile homes for over ten years prior to the date of the application. 

Such a development would be deemed lawful if it can prove that the use of the land for this purpose began more than 10 years ago.