 New Local Plan lining up for examination
We’re getting ready to submit a new Local Plan for independent examination. This is our vision for how different aspects of the borough should grow and develop to 2040.
It includes the sites where new development such as housing should and should not be allowed, as well as policies on a range of subjects like transport, employment, green space and more.
Before we send the plan for independent examination, you and comment on whether it is sound and legally compliant.
We’ve already consulted extensively on the content of the plan, including proposed locations for new homes and accompanying infrastructure, and incorporated your feedback.
You can read on our Engage Wokingham Borough platform, as well as reading the full proposed submission plan and its supporting documents.
Once the plan has passed examination, we hope to adopt it as soon as possible so that it can guide our future decisions and keep the borough a great place to live and work.
 Steer our priorities for the future
We are continuing to develop a new Council Plan, which sets our strategic priorities for the borough for the next five years.
It ensures we have clear direction, that we are working efficiently and taking all residents’ views into account. It covers essential services, infrastructure projects and community initiatives, as well as aspirations for making the borough as good as it can be.
We’re holding drop-in sessions where you can tell us what our priorities should be. These are at:
- Finchampstead Library, Gorse Ride North (RG40 4ES), on Saturday 12 October from 10am to 12.30pm
- Wokingham Library, Carnival Hub (RG40 2AF) on Thursday 24 October from 10am to 12.30pm
- Wokingham Market, Market Place (RG40 1AS) on Thursday 31 October from 9am to 4pm
- Lower Earley Library, Chalfont Close, (RG6 5HZ) on Monday 4 November from 2pm to 5pm
- Woodley Precinct, Crockhamwell Road (RG5 3JH) on Friday 15 November from 9am to 4pm
- Twyford Library, Old Polehampton Boys School, (RG10 9AD) Friday 22 November 2pm to 5pm
- Woodley Library, Headley Road (RG5 4JA) on Tuesday 3rd December 10am to 12.30pm
We will use all of the thoughts gathered to develop a draft version of the Council Plan, which will be put out for formal consultation next year. Once finalised, the plan will guide how we provide services in combination with the needs of the community, alongside the Community Vision 2035.
 Bus pass times extended for disabled passengers
Disabled residents will soon be able to travel on local bus services for free at any time.
We’re removing all time restrictions from the English National Concessionary Travel scheme (ENCTS) disabled bus pass and disabled plus companion bus pass from Sunday 1 December.
Currently these can only be used between 9am and 11pm, but will soon be able to be used at any time when boarding a bus in the borough.
The decision to amend the terms has been made in direct response to comments from disabled residents and their carers, including at recent social care future workshops and through the Local Transport Plan consultation earlier this year.
Feedback showed that the current time restriction was impacting on disabled people’s ability to get to work or attend activities including medical appointments, education and leisure.
 Plug in to Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy
We are developing an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Strategy for the borough, making sure that we continue to provide charging points where people need them, and want to hear your views.
Why should you take part
We want to make sure that the network of charging points we are building meets the needs of you, the people that need them. In just over a decade the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned and we want to make sure the infrastructure is in place as people make the switch.
Taking the survey
The consultation is open until 27 October and further information about the new strategy along with your opportunity to take the survey.
 Free Film and Screen Saturday Club for young people
Know any young people aspiring to start a career in the filming industry?
We’re offering a free Film and Screen Saturday Club to help them develop their creative thinking and essential film production skills. You can apply now on the Bracknell and Wokingham College website, with the club starting later this month.
The club is for aged 13 to 16, who are from low-income families, looked after children, or have parents or carers who have not been to university. No previous experience in film is required.
It gives them an opportunity to explore film and screen, from production and sound design to visual effects and animation. There are also visits to professional studios, trips to London, and masterclasses with film and media industry professionals – all free to the participants.
The club will run on Saturdays from 12 October for 21 weeks during term-time at Wokingham and Bracknell College.
What you might have missed
- The A329M will be closed between Winnersh/Woodley to the M4 junctions in both directions on Thursday night, from 8pm to 6am, for maintenance such as grass cutting and litter-picking. You can check the diversion routes Bracknell-bound and Reading-bound
- Wokingham Borough's parent carer forum SEND Voices Wokingham is hosting their annual Local Offer Live Family Information and Fun Day. It will take place at St Crispin's School Leisure Centre, Wokingham (RG40 1SR), on Saturday 12 October. There is a choice of two sessions from 10.30am to 12.30pm or 1pm to 3pm
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