Council leader voices disappointment as appeal succeeds for 230 homes near Twyford, citing concerns over location and car dependency.
The council turned down the plan last June. They thought homes would extend the village oddly. Councillors worried about isolation from Twyford.
One councillor walked to Twyford train station, which took him a half hour. Others felt people would drive everywhere. Developers said it was great for commuters. They cited easy access to London’s Elizabeth Line.
The planning inspector disagreed with the council. She said farmland was good for new homes, and that public transport options served it well. She thought separation from Twyford was overstated.
A council leader expressed disappointment. He wished their concerns held more weight. He thought it was too far from Twyford and believed people would need cars.
He added the council lacks a five-year housing supply. This likely influenced the inspector’s choice because they need enough land sites for five years of houses. Wokingham is creating its local plan.
The plan includes different sized homes, with four, three, two, and one bedroom options. Forty percent of the homes will be affordable.
The homes replace farmland with polytunnels. One road will lead in and out of the site, that connects to the New Bath Road.
The inspector saw no major negative impacts and felt the benefits outweighed any concerns. Planning permission was granted on February 5.