Bracknell

The blueprint for future development in Bracknell Forest is the first in the Thames Valley to have been found to be 'sound' by an independent Government inspector.

The Bracknell policies in the core strategy outline the borough’s approach to accommodating the needs of a growing population while protecting against over-development and maintaining a high quality of life. The main themes of the document include sustainable development, environment, transport and locations of future housing, employment and shopping.

By law, the core strategy has to be independently examined by a Government planning inspector. The examination hearing started in June, where some of the residents who had responded to the strategy’s final consultation were invited to share their views.

The inspector commended the Bracknell Council for its commitment to producing a positive strategy and for its plans for allowing appropriate development which also protects the species living in the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.

The inspector also noted good policies for housing and employment and for the proposals for the Bracknell town centre regeneration. It is only the fifth core strategy in the south east found to be sound by an inspector.

The core strategy is a crucial part of the Local Development Framework, a wide-ranging set of planning documents which run to 2026 which will replace the Bracknell Forest Local Plan.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "The purpose of the core strategy is to have strong policies which will control all aspects of development, protect our environment and the quality of life of our residents.

"It is very satisfying that the strategy has been judged 'sound'; it is part of the new Government planning process, and the consultation with our residents and local parishes has been very valuable."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council