Approval lined up for major Wokingham scheme

Outline plans for a major mixed-use scheme in Wokingham – which includes more than 75,000 sq ft of commercial and employment space – look set to be backed.The application site is located to the south of Bridge Farm Estate, which itself comprises several existing commercial buildings.The application seeks outline permission for up to 11 commercial units to provide 75,196 sq ft of GIA commercial/employment development, with supporting facilities comprising ancillary offices, trade counters and food/drink facilities.There would also be highway works and strategic landscaping.A report drawn up ahead of Wokingham Council’s planning committee meeting on 8 November noted that the proposal would generate in the region of 172 jobs including four apprenticeships and three roles created through the Employment Skills Plan.”Following this, long-term job creation would undoubtedly result in a boost to the local economy and required planning obligations agreed within the S106 Agreement,” it added.”These benefits fulfil a very positive economic role and in accordance with the NPPF, significant weight should be given the economic merits of the case.”Revised plans were submitted in August, with neighbours, a parish council and councillors having been reconsulted.While the council highways officer is satisfied with the amendments on highways and access grounds, they have “not overcome the concerns of the council’s landscape officer.Arborfield and Newland Parish Council also objected due to the “scale and location of these industrial units, which would change irrevocably a rural setting on a site next to an ancient woodland”.However, the plans have been recommended for approval with the report adding: “Overall, the application will deliver high quality development in accordance with the council’s overall spatial strategy and although it is situated beyond the existing settlement boundary within the countryside, the benefits of the scheme are considered to outweigh limited conflict with the underlying aims and objectives of the development plan.”Angle Property (Arborfield) LLP and Farley Farms Partnership are the applicants.