FLOODING and design concerns at an 81-home development between Bracknell and Ascot have prompted approval for any changes to be delayed.
Shanley Homes, a developer, has permission to build 81 homes at the old Palm Hills estate in London Road between Bracknell and Ascot.
The development proved unpopular with councillors, as Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee initially rejected a proposal to knock down the three houses that make up the Palm Hills estate and build 81 homes in their place.
However, the plan was allowed on appeal in July 2021.
READ MORE: Controversial 81 new homes plan on London Road given the go-ahead
Now, the Shanley Homes bid to make changes have been put on hold.
These changes and more were discussed at Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee on Thursday, March 23.
You can view each application decided by typing the reference in brackets into the council’s planning portal.
Changes to 81 homes plan between Bracknell and Ascot deferred (22/00537/FUL)
Councillors chose to defer decision on the changes to a future 81 home development at the Palm Hills estate.
Shanley Homes applied for a series of adjustments to the plan allowed on appeal, including changes to drainage, landscaping and home design.
Councillor Tony Virgo (Conservative, Winkfield & Cranbourne) expressed concerns about landscaping designs posing a flood risk.
He said: “It seems to me by slowly encroaching in hard surfaces, you must have an impact on drainage.”
There were also concerns that changes to home designs for at least 10 homes which included studies, with councillors worrying these rooms could be converted into bedrooms.
Therefore, councillors deferred decision, requesting more information from Shanley Homes.
New bedroom annexe for Bracknell home approved (22/00571/FUL)
The owners of 6 Wilberforce Way in Harmans Water successfully applied to build a one bedroom annexe to their home.
A submitted floorplan shows the annexe coming with a separate entrance, double bedroom, a shower ensuite, kitchen and utility room.
It is understood the number of bedrooms at the home will remain the same, with the annexe facilitating internal reconfiguration to provide more private living quarters for future occupants.
The annexe was approved by the committee.
Demolition of house to make way for three homes approved (22/00671/OUT)
The committee also approved a plan to demolish the Qatamon bungalow in Pollardrow Avenue and replace it with three homes.
The plan involves building one detached and two semi-detached houses.
This was an outline application, with specific plans to be submitted at a later stage.
Planning officer Shelley Clarke believes the site could accommodate three three-bedroom homes.
Car park for woodland site to be resurfaced (23/00016/3)
The car park for the Buckler’s Forest woodland in Crowthorne will be resurfaced with tarmac after the committee approved the project.
Currently, the car park has a permeable surface with timber markers for individual bays.
However, the car park has been susceptible to pot holes and uneven surfacing, hence the application to tarmac it over.
The car park is for a woodland suitable area of natural green space (SANG) which serves the massive TRL site development.
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