 Above: Ashridge Meadows, a nature park created and funded by developers at North Wokingham
New Local Plan sets out vision for future growth
We've agreed to move forward with our new Local Plan by submitting it for independent examination - and you can find out more about what we're proposing on our Engage Wokingham Borough page.
The plan sets out all aspects of how our borough should develop until 2040. This includes acceptable locations for new housing, and policies to:
- secure quality community infrastructure, funded by developers
- provide affordable homes, so future generations can live and work locally
- protect green spaces across the borough
- ensure zero-carbon development where possible
As well as explaining what's in the plan, we'd like to dispel some of the myths around the planning process and explain why our proposal is the best option for preserving our excellent quality of life.
There's also a summary of the benefits that our current Local Plan has provided. This is why we propose a similar approach, incorporating some large-scale development, in the new version.
We've published the draft plan for comment on its soundness and legal compliance, and we're accepting responses until Wednesday 13 November.
We've already consulted extensively on details like the proposed housing sites and incorporated your feedback where we can.
 A new garden village and more
Our new Local Plan includes proposals for a new community of 3,930 homes known as Loddon Garden Village.
This would be established on land south of the M4 between Shinfield, Arborfield and Sindlesham, owned mostly by the University of Reading as part of its Hall Farm site.
The garden village could benefit from a wealth of infrastructure including new primary and secondary schools, a bridge over the motorway and ample public green space including a new country park along the River Loddon.
Land is also identified for 900 additional homes within our existing Arborfield Garrison major development, with around 1,000 more on smaller sites across the borough.
Proposing large-scale development makes it easier to help the new communities thrive by securing improvements to infrastructure.
This approach has proven successful in the past and, when we consulted, most people said it was their preferred way for us to manage development in the future.
We're hosting two drop-in information sessions about the Local Plan on:
- Tuesday 29 October (4pm to 7pm), Pound Green Room, School Green Centre, Shinfield, RG2 9EH
- Thursday 31 October (6pm to 9pm), council offices foyer, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN
You'll be able to talk to officers and councillors about the plan, and how to respond. If you can't make those dates, we can speak to you on request at our offices on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 November (9.30am to 4.30pm).
 Partner sought for Matthewsgreen community space
We're looking for a local group or organisations to run a new community centre in North Wokingham.
We're looking for an organisation to help establish a vibrant and welcoming hub off Queens Road at Matthewsgreen. We'll work together to provide a range of events and activities which will benefit the local community for years to come.
As well as using the building for their own needs, those taking on day to day management will be able to bring forward ideas to encourage community use of the space and generate money.
Expressions of interest in running the building are invited from groups and organisations with a proven track record in community management, charity work or event promotion.
You can find out more on our website along with an application pack. Please submit your application before Friday 25 October.
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