Plans for a major development on a field of ‘archaeological significance’ in Barkham have been refused by Wokingham Borough Council.

Developers Monopro Ltd wanted to build 60 houses on a field off Limmerhill Road, close to the Ye Olde Leathern Bottel pub. It is located north of Barkham Road on the south-west edge of the Wokingham settlement.

Plans for the homes, 40 per cent of which would be affordable, were first brought to the council in October 2023.

It was also planned that some of the homes would have ‘age restrictions’ to be used only by more elderly residents.

The land was previously only for agricultural use, before being converted for agricultural and equestrian purposes in 2016.

During the consultation period, Berkshire Archaeology warned that the application site was in an area of ‘archaeological significance’, with remains at risk of damage if the development was to go ahead.

Significant prehistoric remains have been found nearby, including four Iron age furnaces, discovered just 40 metres away.

Berkshire Archaeology said there was further evidence of a Mesolithic flint from the Stone Age.

Wokingham Borough Council has now refused outline approval for the proposal, meaning it disagrees with it in principle.

Council officers ruled that for a wide range of reasons, it represented ‘inappropriate unplanned development’.

In the refusal notice, officers wrote that if the plans were to go ahead, they would result in a ‘cramped and poorly laid out scheme’.

Particular issues were taken with the lack of access to the site, which developers said would take place through nearby pub, Ye Olde Leathern Bottel.

There was further concern that the development would have a ‘prominent negative and detrimental impact’ on the landscape, character and appearance of the area, given the loss of a countryside field.

This is especially due to the location of the proposed site between Wokingham and Barkham – with council officers noting that the development would ‘significantly and prominently erode the last remaining space’ between the areas.

Lack of public transport and distance from facilities and services were also highlighted as factors contributing to the refusal.

Dozens of nearby residents objected to the proposal, citing a mixture of worries about the impact on the area, local services and roads.

Barkham Parish Council also recommended refusal, arguing that it would ‘increase the urbanisation of the area’. The council also said that it would harm the biodiversity and wildlife of the area.