Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is calling on residents to comment on Government proposals about future development in the South East.

A public consultation on the draft South East Plan is running until Friday, June 23. The proposals in the plan include the development of 539 new homes in Bracknell Forest every year until 2026. This would be the absolute maximum that could be accommodated, and only if the Government is willing to invest in the necessary infrastructure. Government statements suggest 1 - 2 million extra houses should be built across the South East.

The South East Plan outlines a number of regional issues including housing, the economy, transport, infrastructure and protecting the environment. It has been produced by the South East Regional Assembly, which is made up of representatives from every council in the South East, together with social, economic and environment partners.

Responding to the plan's consultation, Bracknell Forest Borough Council is concerned any increase in the rate of house-building would:

- Increase congestion on local roads

- Increase pressure for valuable and scarce water supplies

- Over-burden schools and health services.

It is also essential that major planning policy decisions are made locally rather than regionally.

Bracknell Council is also expressing concern about the impact of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) on the plan's recommendations. The SPA has led to calls for severe restrictions on building in and around heathlands to prevent damage to habitats for ground-nesting birds.

Bracknell Council's aim is to protect the qualify of life of our residents. From our consultations across the borough on the Local Development Framework we know that overdevelopment is a major concern.

The statutory examination in public will start later this year, and will take several months, following which the decision on housing numbers will be made centrally and will be binding on local government.

Cllr Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and the Environment, said: "There is still time have a say about the amount of development in Bracknell Forest.

"This is a crucial report for the future of the borough, and the South East as a whole, and I encourage all residents to make sure they make their opinions heard."

Copies of the plan are available to read in major libraries and planning offices. Residents are can take part in the public consultation direct to the South East England Regional Assembly, by visiting www.southeast-ra.gov.uk - please look particularly at the housing chapter - or call 01344 352000 for further details.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council