 District centre proposal updated - comment now
You probably remember that developer Crest Nicholson submitted a detailed planning application for a district centre off Nine Mile Ride Extension with shops, a community centre and other amenities in April.
After going through your comments and discussing the scheme with our planning officers, as well as seeking independent guidance from Design South East Review Panel, they've made a few revisions.
We'd appreciate any feedback by Thursday, 24 August, and hope the scheme will go to our planning committee for a decision in the autumn.
The changes include a play area on the proposed village green to the north of the site, improved landscaping to link the food store with other shop units and a "gateway" entrance to the pedestrianised shopping area.
Changes are also proposed to elevations and height of some buildings, particularly along Nine Mile Ride Extension, the central road and new shopping area.
If you want more detailed updates, or to discuss life in your neighbourhood with us and Crest's representatives, we'll be hosting a community forum in the next few months. We'll announce a date, times and venue through this newsletter as soon as we've arranged it.
 A central hub for everyone to meet and more
The district centre scheme, to be built on land near Bohunt School and Arborfield Green Leisure Centre, already has outline planning permission so this "reserved matters" application is to decide the finer details.
It comprises 950 sq m of commercial space across 18 units, a community centre with nursery, library and café and a pre-school, as well as potential for a pub and supermarket (subject to a separate application).
There'll also be 200 new homes including an affordable element, plus a public square, pedestrian and cycle access. The application also covers matters like design, landscaping, parking and drainage schemes.
 Sainsbury's still poised to set up shop
We're pleased to confirm that Sainsbury's remains interested in taking on the food shop unit for one of its "neighbourhood hub" stores, offering an additional "click and collect" service to allow it to provide a wider range of products.
We're expecting this arrangement to be formally agreed in the next few months and also expect a planning application to follow in due course.
 Revised sports facilities scheme to follow soon
Under a separate application from the district centre, Crest Nicholson is also seeking detailed permission for new sports facilities.
Following an initial application to us, the developer is undertaking revisions based on your comments and hopes to re-submit these no later than next month.
The facilities, which have outline permission, would go on land off Princess Marina Drive and would improve on existing rugby, football and cricket provision.
The application is being prepared with input from our officers and outside experts like Sport England to ensure it meets the community's requirements.
Keep an eye on the application on our planning portal for further updates.
 Working as fast as possible to meet your needs
All these facilities must be provided under conditions attached to the planning permission we granted for 2,000 homes on the major new community at the former Arborfield Garrison.
We know you've been waiting a long time and it's unfortunate that they've taken longer than expected, in part because of the coronavirus pandemic's nationwide impact on commercial schemes.
We've since urged Crest to move things forward as quickly as possible, but at the same time we have to get them right - even if that means delaying the process to make changes based on your feedback.
As always, we'll keep you posted as things progress, so please continue to keep an eye on your inbox.
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