As we reported in our last Alert we are continuing to liaise with Barkham Parish Council who are seeking input from a third party planning consultancy but with the limited time available this is challenging.
You probably noticed it but the Borough Council have organised “drop-in” sessions about the Plan
- 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
- By request, at the Shute End offices on Tue 05 and Wed 06 Nov 2024 (9.30 am to 4.30 pm)
If you had it in mind to make representations then specific issues can be reported under the question of “soundness” - for example some may feel that the plan is not sound because insufficient attention has been paid to mitigating the extra traffic. The transport assessment report references traffic flow figures from 2021 and work is ongoing to determine how this will affect the conclusion. This was during the pandemic and levels have already risen since then, so how accurate is the predicition?
In the case of Barkham, the updated plan discussed is very different to that which was published for consultation during the period Nov 2021 and Jan 2022. The main changes are summarised below.
| Nov 2021 - Jan 2023 | Oct 2024 - Nov 2024 | Change |
| Housing |
|
| |
Higher density area of Film Studios,
Langley Common Road | 0 | 300 | +300 |
Expanding Arborfield Green
via Barkham Square
Langley Common Road | 0 | 600 | +600 |
Rooks Nest Farm
Barkham Ride | 270 | 0 | -270 |
|
|
| |
| Gypsy and traveller pitches |
|
| |
High Barn Farm, Commonfield
Lane | 0 | 20 | +20 |
Honeysuckle Lodge, Commonfield Lane | 0 | 4 | +4 |
Woodlands Farm, Wood Lane | 15 | 15 | no change |
This increase in the dwelling numbers in Barkham as well as other developments in the surrounding parishes will have significant implications for traffic, encroachment on countryside, sustainability and facilities.
If residents have concerns they are encouraged to respond to the consultation.
If so, the representation form and guidance notes are attached. It is suggested that comments are factual, evidence based if possible and include any proposed changes and/or mitigation.
The Local Plan Upgrade documents can be found at
https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning-policy/emerging-local-plan-update/current-consultations.
Kind Regards
BVRA
The BVRA needs additional volunteers. If you could spare a little time please contacts us, chairman@barkham.org.uk for more details.
Please note all previous DevWatch alerts can be viewed on the BVRA website at https://barkham.org.uk/devwatch
WBC is an abbreviation for Wokingham Borough Council
To stop receiving DevWatch alerts or to change your BVRA email subscription options
