Planning in Wokingham

Infrastructure Requirements - Community and social

a) At least 35% of homes must be affordable in accordance with Policy CP5. b) Improved neighbourhood and local centres facilities should include a range of community uses including expansion of existing primary health care, children's and youth facilities, two new primary schools and other community buildings.

Community and social

a) At least 35% of homes must be affordable in accordance with Policy CP5. b) Provision should be made to enhance existing neighbourhood facilities to extend the range of services available at the neighbourhood level. c) A new primary school should be provided in close proximity to other local facilities and at a point which is easily accessible to new and existing homes. d) New primary health care facilities

Community and social

a) At least 35% of homes must be affordable in accordance with Policy CP5. b) Two two-form entry primary schools and one secondary school for 1,500 pupils should be provided during an early phase of the development c) A new district centre and two neighbourhood centres should include a range of community uses including primary health care, a library, a children's centre, youth facilities and multi-purpose community buildings.

Inclusive communities

To ensure that new development contributes to the provision of sustainable and inclusive communities (including the provision of community facilities) to meet long term needs, planning permission will be granted for proposals that address the requirements of: a) An ageing population, particularly in terms of housing, health and wellbeing; b) Children, young people and families, including the co-ordination of services to meet their needs; c) People with special needs, including those with a physical, sensory or learning disability or problems accessing services; and d) The specific identified needs of minority groups in the borough, including Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople and black and minority ethnic groups. Proposals for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople (including allocations in other Development Plan Documents) will demonstrate that: i) The site is located either within or close to the development limits of a settlement in policy CP9 in order to maximise the possibilities for social inclusion and sustainable patterns of living; and ii) The proposed site is not disproportionate to the scale of the existing settlement whether singly or cumulatively with any existing sites in the area.

Key Design Principles

A master plan for the SDL should demonstrate adherence to current best practice in urban design, to include: a) A continuous network of streets to permit easy movement within the development. Within this network a legible street hierarchy should be established to distinguish those streets associated with through movement from quieter residential streets. b) The proposed district centre at a central and most accessible point, well integrated with educational facilities. The district centre should include a store of around 4,000 square metres primarily selling convenience goods as well as a range of community facilities and services. c) A clear landscape framework which integrates the development with the landscape and shows how the urban edge will be managed. d) A positive response to the topography of the site and existing tree planting, which should be incorporated into the layout. e) A built form which supports the strategic objectives for the development and assists in creating a recognisable identity. f) Existing listed buildings integrated within the development, with due regard to the character and setting of the buildings g) Consideration wherever possible to reusing other existing buildings on the site. h) Development which is inclusive and accessible for all in accordance with Policy CP2. i) Good access to public transport, and provision for a high level of amenity, information and safety for passengers. j) Architectural design of a high quality and ensuring a sense of cohesion. New buildings should be inspired by the character of existing high quality architecture in the Borough. Regard must be given to the Borough's Residential Design Guide. k) Public art integrated within the design of the development. l) Careful attention to the composition of the street frontage and street corners to ensure a continuous building line and help define the street. Long featureless blank frontages should be avoided. m) Vehicle parking as an integral part of the plan for the scheme to ensure limited impact on visual amenity and residential privacy. Larger surface level car parks should make provision for generous planting to aid visual containment. n) A phasing strategy which prioritises the provision of non-vehicle links, landscape planting and education within the early years of the scheme.

Key Design Principles

A master plan for the SDL should demonstrate adherence to current best practice in urban design, to include: a) A layout which respects the existing settlement form, includes a high degree of connectivity between old and new areas of housing, and provides a legible hierarchy of streets which distinguishes through routes from quieter residential streets. b) A positive response to the topography of the site and existing tree planting, which should be incorporated into the layout. c) New primary schools at Shinfield and Spencers Wood, at a location accessible by public transport. d) A new local centre at a location at Shinfield which is easily accessible on foot to new and existing homes. This could accommodate a store of around 2,500m2 primarily selling convenience goods. e) Development which is inclusive and accessible for all in accordance with Policy CP2. f) Good access to public transport, and provision for a high level of amenity, information and safety for passengers. g) Architectural design that is high quality and distinctive. New buildings should reflect the character of existing high quality architecture in the Borough as well as current best practice. Regard must be given to the Borough's Residential Design Guide. h) A well designed approach to the urban edge, which relates development at the periphery to its rural setting and affords good access to the countryside. i) Public art which is integrated within the design of the development. j) Careful attention to the composition of the street frontage and street corners to ensure a continuous building line and help define the street. Long featureless blank frontages should be avoided. k) All vehicle parking is integral to the plan, to ensure limited impact on visual amenity and residential amenity. Larger surface level car parks should make provision for generous planting to aid visual containment. l) A phasing strategy which prioritises the provision of non-vehicle links, landscape planting and education within the early years of the scheme.

Key Design Principles

A master plan for the SDL should demonstrate adherence to current best practice in urban design, to include: a) A layout based on the extension and connection of the town's movement network and neighbourhood structure. This should form the basis for a continuous network of streets to permit a high level of connectivity at the local level. Within this network a legible hierarchy should distinguish between routes designed for through movement and low order residential streets which should have an emphasis on shared surfaces. Higher order routes should be designed according to the principles set out in the Department of Transport's 'Manual for Streets'. b) A positive response to the topography of the site and existing tree planting, which should be incorporated into the layout. c) New local facilities, including the primary school, located to be easily accessible to new and existing households. d) A well connected network of open space to include provision for formal and informal recreation, SANGS provision, and mechanisms to mitigate against noise and odour. e) Consideration of the site topography should be reflected in the layout of the development. f) Development which is inclusive and accessible for all in accordance with Policy CP2. g) Architectural design which is high quality and distinctive, and a sense of visual cohesion. New buildings should reflect the character of existing high quality architecture in the Borough as well as current best practice. Regard must be given to the Borough's Residential Design Guide. h) Public art which is integral within the design of the development. i) Careful attention to the composition of the street frontage and street corners to ensure a continuous building line and help define the street. Long featureless blank frontages should be avoided. j) Vehicle parking, in all forms, which is integrally planned to ensure it does not compromise the visual and residential amenity of the place. k) A phasing strategy which prioritises the provision of non-vehicle links, landscape planting and education within the early years of the scheme. l) A phasing strategy that ensures easy access to Wokingham town centre through the entire delivery of the development

General Principles for development

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that: a) Are of an appropriate scale of activity, mass, layout, built form, height, materials and character to the area together with a high quality of design without detriment to the amenities of adjoining land users including open spaces or occupiers and their quality of life; b) Provide a functional, accessible, safe, secure and adaptable scheme; c) Have no detrimental impact upon important ecological, heritage, landscape (including river valleys) or geological features or water courses; d) Maintain or enhance the ability of the site to support fauna and flora including protected species; e) Use the full potential of the site and contribute to the support for suitable complementary facilities and uses; f) Contribute to a sense of place in the buildings and spaces themselves and in the way they integrate with their surroundings (especially existing dwellings) including the use of appropriate landscaping; g) Provide for a framework of open space in secure community use achieving at least 4.65 ha/1,000 population provision together with recreational/sporting facilities in addition to private amenity space; h) Contribute towards the provision of an appropriate sustainable network of community facilities; i) Do not lead to a net loss of dwellings and other residential accommodation or land; and j) Do not lead to a loss of community or recreational facilities/land or infrastructure unless suitable alternative provision is available. Development proposals will be required to demonstrate how they have responded to the above criteria through the submission of Design and Access Statements, clear and informative plans, elevations and streetscenes and where required Masterplans, Development Briefs, Concept Statements and Design Codes.

Employment Development

Development for business, industry or warehousing will be permitted, including the expansion or intensification of existing employment uses provided it is within one of the following Core Employment Areas: 1) Green Park Business Park, Reading; 2) Headley Road East, Woodley; 3) Hogwood Industrial Estate, Park Lane, Finchampstead; 4) Molly Millars Industrial Estate, Wokingham; 5) Ruscombe Business Park, Ruscombe; 6) Sutton's Industrial Estate, Earley; 7) Thames Valley Business Park, Earley; 8) Toutley Industrial Estate, Wokingham; or 9) Winnersh Triangle Business Park, Winnersh. Elsewhere within development limits the redevelopment, refurbishment or minor extension of buildings in employment use will be acceptable in principle. Some scope for limited additional employment development may be identified in: i) The Managing Development Delivery DPD; ii) Within the Strategic Development Locations as detailed within the proposed SDL Masterplan SPDs (Policies CP18-21); or iii) The retail centres defined in policy CP13 for office proposals. Any proposed changes of use from B1, B2 & B8 should not lead to an overall net loss of floorspace in B Use within the borough. Provision will be made for a range of sizes, types, quality and locations of premises and sites in order to meet incubator/start up, move on, expansion and investment accommodation needs and having regard to the needs of specific sectors of the business community. All proposals for employment development (including offices in line with Policies CP13 and CP14) will include mitigation commensurate with the impact of the development on the demand for housing, labour, skills, traffic and highways.

Science Park

A Science Park will be developed South of the M4 in Shinfield parish. The proposal will include mitigation commensurate with its impact on the demand for housing, labour, skills, traffic and highways as required in CP15.

Sustainability

A strategy to deliver sustainable development, demonstrating current best practice, must be provided and implemented in accordance with the Council's SPD on sustainable development. It must address at least the following: a) the Code for Sustainable Homes b) BREEAM standards for non-residential buildings c) energy efficiency d) energy generation e) water efficiency f) bio-diversity and habitat protection g) waste reduction and management h) flood risk i) infrastructure provision to support sustainable travel

Sustainability

A strategy to deliver sustainable development, demonstrating current best practice, must be provided and implemented in accordance with the Council's SPD on sustainable development. It must address at least the following: a) the Code for Sustainable Homes b) BREEAM standards for non-residential buildings c) energy efficiency d) energy generation e) water efficiency f) bio-diversity and habitat protection g) waste reduction and management h) flood risk i) infrastructure provision to support sustainable travel

Landscape Structure

a) The existing floodplain should be retained as part of an open space network. b) Open countryside between villages should have minimal intervention to ensure its existing character is retained. However, improvements to rights of way and public footpaths may be carried out to improve pedestrian access. c) Existing woodland areas and hedgerows should be retained, enhanced and where possible extended. d) The landscape strategy for the development should incorporate proposals to help manage the transition between the new development and the open countryside. e) A network of green spaces should be created including: i) Formal playing fields and children's play facilities to Wokingham Borough Council's Standards ii) Informal parks and recreational areas iii) Community gardens, orchards, allotments and cemetery

Sustainable development

Planning permission will be granted for development proposals that: 1) Maintain or enhance the high quality of the environment; 2) Minimise the emission of pollutants into the wider environment; 3) Limit any adverse effects on water quality (including ground water); 4) Ensure the provision of adequate drainage; 5) Minimise the consumption and use of resources and provide for recycling; 6) Incorporate facilities for recycling of water and waste to help reduce per capita water consumption; 7) Avoid areas of best and most versatile agricultural land; 8) Avoid areas where pollution (including noise) may impact upon the amenity of future occupiers; 9) Avoid increasing (and where possible reduce) risks of or from all forms of flooding (including from groundwater); 10) Provide attractive, functional, accessible, safe, secure and adaptable schemes; 11) Demonstrate how they support opportunities for reducing the need to travel, particularly by private car in line with CP6; and 12) Contribute towards the goal of reaching zero-carbon developments as soon as possible by: a) Including appropriate on-site renewable energy features; and b) Minimising energy and water consumption by measures including the use of appropriate layout and orientation, building form, design and construction, and design to take account of microclimate so as to minimise carbon dioxide emissions through giving careful consideration to how all aspects of development form.

Green Belt

Planning permission will not be granted for inappropriate development within the Metropolitan Green Belt as defined in PPG2. The Metropolitan Green Belt in the borough as illustrated on the key diagram comprises the land north and east of Twyford but excluding Wargrave. It also includes the land in the parish of St. Nicholas Hurst east of The Straight Mile and north of Carter's Hill.

Biodiversity

Sites designated as of importance for nature conservation at an international or national level will be conserved and enhanced and inappropriate development will be resisted. The degree of protection given will be appropriate to the status of the site in terms of its international or national importance. Development: A) Which may harm county designated sites (Local Wildlife Sites in Berkshire), whether directly or indirectly, or B) Which may harm habitats or, species of principle importance in England for nature conservation, veteran trees or features of the landscape that are of major importance for wild flora and fauna (including wildlife and river corridors), whether directly or indirectly, or C) That compromises the implementation of the national, regional, county and local biodiversity action plans will be only permitted if it has been clearly demonstrated that the need for the proposal outweighs the need to safeguard the nature conservation importance, that no alternative site that would result in less or no harm is available which will meet the need, and: i) Mitigation measures can be put in place to prevent damaging impacts; or ii) Appropriate compensation measures to offset the scale and kind of losses are provided.

Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area

Development which alone or in combination is likely to have a significant effects on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area will be required to demonstrate that adequate measures to avoid and mitigate any potential adverse effects are delivered.

Housing Land, Mix and Density

Approximately 110 hectares of land should be allocated for residential use within the master plan. Average development density will be between 30 - 35 dwellings per hectare (calculated in accordance with PPS3 annex B). Variation on site should occur through the concentration of above average densities around the district and local centres, and less than average densities towards the site edges.

Housing Land, Mix and Density

A predominance of houses with private gardens should prevail throughout the development. In addition, consideration should be given to the design of life time homes, elderly person housing and live-work units.

Housing Land, Mix and Density

Approximately 77 hectares of land should be allocated for residential use within the master plan. Average development density will be between 30 - 35 dwellings per hectare (calculated in accordance with PPS3 annex B). Variation on site could occur through the concentration of above average densities near to local facilities and bus routes.

Housing Land, Mix and Density

A predominance of houses with private gardens should prevail throughout the development. In addition consideration should be given to life time homes, elderly person housing and live-work units.

Housing Land, Mix and Density

Approximately 50 hectares of land should be allocated for residential use within the master plan. Average development density will be between 30 - 35 dwellings per hectare (calculated in accordance with PPS3 annex B). Variation on site should occur through the concentration of above average densities in close proximity to local services and bus stops to enhance the concept of the walkable neighbourhood.

Housing Mix

A predominance of houses with private gardens should prevail throughout the development. In addition, consideration should be given to the design of life time homes, housing for elderly people and live-work units.

Proposals outside Development Limits (including countryside)

In order to protect the separate identity of settlements and maintain the quality of the environment, proposals outside of development limits will not normally be permitted except where: 1) It contributes to diverse and sustainable rural enterprises within the borough, or in the case of other countryside based enterprises and activities, it contributes and/or promotes recreation in, and enjoyment of, the countryside; and 2) It does not lead to excessive encroachment or expansion of development away from the original buildings; and 3) It is contained within suitably located buildings which are appropriate for conversion, or in the case of replacement buildings would bring about environmental improvement; or 4) In the case of residential extensions, does not result in inappropriate increases in the scale, form or footprint of the original building; 5) In the case of replacement dwellings the proposal must: i) Bring about environmental improvements; or ii) Not result in inappropriate increases in the scale, form or footprint of the original building. 6) Essential community facilities cannot be accommodated within development limits or through the re-use/replacement of an existing building; 7) Affordable housing on rural exception sites in line with CP9.

Housing delivery

Provision will be made for the development of at least 13,230 dwellings and associated development and infrastructure in the Borough in the period 2006-2026 for which substantial investment in infrastructure will be required. These will be provided in the following phases: April 2006 to March 2011 – an average of 600 dwellings per annum April 2011 to March 2016 – an average of 700 dwellings per annum April 2016 to March 2021 – an average of 723 dwellings per annum April 2021 to March 2026 – an average of 623 dwellings per annum The Council through subsequent DPD will phase and manage the release of allocated sites to ensure the overall targets for the Plan period are met. This will include the identification of reserve housing sites in subsequent DPD, which will be allocated for development post 2026. Allocated sites may be brought forward from a later phasing period where this would not undermine the delivery of sustainable development, including the availability of infrastructure. The early release of sites will be considered by the authority's Executive to ensure the achievement of the overall requirement and the maintenance of a rolling five year supply of housing land.

Arborfield Garrison Strategic Development Location

Within the area identified at Arborfield Garrison, a sustainable, well designed mixed use development will be delivered including: 1) Phased delivery of around 3,500 dwellings including affordable homes in accordance with policy CP5; 2) Employment; 3) Appropriate retail facilities; 4) Social and physical infrastructure (including provision of at least two new primary schools and a secondary school, together with children's centre and youth facilities); 5) Measures to maintain separation from Arborfield Cross, Barkham Hill and Finchampstead North; 6) Necessary measures to avoid and mitigate the impact of development upon the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area in line with Policy CP8 to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations and in accordance with Natural England's latest standards. This will include sufficient Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (subject to monitoring of the quality and quantity standards); 7) Improvements to transport capacity along the A327 (to both the M3 and Reading) and routes towards Bracknell and Wokingham (including the extension of Nine Mile Ride to the A327); and 8) Measures to improve accessibility by non-car transport modes along the A327, B3030, B3349 and B3430 corridors especially on the routes to Bracknell, Reading, Winnersh and Wokingham. The development will be guided by a Development Brief Supplementary Planning Document produced with the involvement of stakeholders including all interested landowners in the area covered by the Strategic Development Location as defined on the Proposals Map. A co-ordinated approach to the development of the Strategic Development Location will be required to deliver the necessary infrastructure, facilities and services to meet the needs of the expanded community.

South of the M4 Strategic Development Location

Within the areas identified South of the M4 motorway, a sustainable, well designed mixed use development will be delivered by 2026 including: 1) Phased delivery of around 2,500 dwellings including affordable homes in accordance with policy CP5; 2) Appropriate employment; 3) Appropriate retail facilities; 4) Social and physical infrastructure (including provision for up to 2 new primary schools and the likely expansion of existing primary provision together with existing children's centre and youth facilities); 5) Measures to maintain separation of these settlements from each other and from Green Park Business Park (Reading), settlements within the administrative Borough of Reading, Shinfield (North of M4) and Swallowfield; 6) Necessary measures to avoid and mitigate the impact of development upon the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area in line with Policy CP8 to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations and in accordance with Natural England's latest standards. This will include sufficient Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (subject to monitoring of the quality and quantity standards); 7) Improvements to highway capacity along the A327 (on routes to Reading and the M3, including Shinfield eastern relief road) and the A33 (route to Reading); 8) measures to improve accessibility by non-car transport modes along the A327 and A33 corridors and routes to the stations at Green Park and Winnersh Triangle; and 9) Provision of a Park and Ride in line with CP10. The development will be guided by a Development Brief Supplementary Planning Document produced with the involvement of stakeholders including all interested landowners in the area covered by the Strategic Development Location as defined on the Proposals Map. A co-ordinated approach to the development of the Strategic Development Location will be required to deliver the necessary infrastructure, facilities and services to meet the needs of the expanded community.

North Wokingham Strategic Development Location

Within the area identified at North Wokingham, a sustainable, well designed mixed use development will be delivered by 2026 including: 1) Phased delivery of around 1,500 dwellings including affordable homes in accordance with policy CP5; 2) Appropriate retail facilities; 3) Appropriate employment located west of Twyford Road, north of Matthewsgreen Farm and east of Toutley Industrial Estate; 4) Social and physical infrastructure (including provision for one new primary school if required); 5) Measures to maintain separation from Binfield/Bracknell and Winnersh; 6) Necessary measures to avoid and mitigate the impact of development upon the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area in line with Policy CP8 to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations and in accordance with Natural England's latest standards. This will include sufficient Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (subject to monitoring of the quality and quantity standards); 7) Improvements to transport capacity along the A321 and A329 including the provision of a new route from the A329 (near the M4 over-bridge) to the vicinity of the Coppid Beech roundabout; 8) Measures to improve accessibility by non-car transport modes along the A321 and A329 corridors; and 9) Measures to improve access by non-car modes to Wokingham town centre (including the station interchange).

South Wokingham Strategic Development Location

Within the area identified at south Wokingham, a sustainable, well designed mixed use development will be delivered by 2026 including: 1) Phased delivery of around 2,500 dwellings including affordable in accordance with policy CP5; 2) Appropriate retail facilities; 3) Social and physical infrastructure (including provision for two new primary schools); 4) Measures to maintain separation from Binfield/Bracknell, Crowthorne/Pinewood (Crowthorne) and Finchampstead North; 5) Measures to protect and enhance pedestrian (including using mobility aids) access to the countryside from Wokingham town centre; 6) Necessary measures to avoid and mitigate the impact of development upon the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area in line with Policy CP8 to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations and in accordance with Natural England's latest standards. This will include sufficient Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (subject to monitoring of the quality and quantity standards); 7) Improvements to transport capacity along the A321 and A329 including the provision of south Wokingham relief road from the vicinity of the Coppid Beech roundabout to the Finchampstead Road; 8) Measures to improve accessibility by non-car transport modes along the A321 and A329 corridors; and 9) Measures to improve access by non-car modes to Wokingham town centre (including the station interchange).

Housing mix, density and affordability

Planning permission will be granted for residential development providing a mix and balance of densities, dwelling types, tenures and sizes. Affordable housing must reflect the sizes and types that meet the proven needs of people who are not able to compete in the general housing market. All residential proposals of at least 5 dwellings (net) or covering a net site area of at least 0.16 ha will provide up to 50% of the net additional units proposed as affordable dwellings, where viable. The Council will negotiate the tenure, size and type of affordable units on a site by site basis having regard to housing needs, site specifics and other factors. Subject to viability, the minimum percentages of affordable housing sought on site by land type and location are: Land types Location (CP9) Size trigger % Previously developed land Within Development Limits 5 to 14 dwellings (net) or between 0.16ha and 0.49ha (net) 20 Previously developed land Within Major Development Location 15 dwellings or more (net) or 0.5ha (net) and larger 30 Previously developed land Within Modest or Limited Development Location 15 dwellings or more (net) or 0.5ha (net) and larger 40 Greenfield Within Major Development Location 5 dwellings (net) or more or 0.16 ha (net) and larger 35 Greenfield Within Modest or Limited Development Location 5 dwellings (net) or more or 0.16 ha (net) and larger 40 Any Outside development location 5 dwellings (net) or more or 0.16 ha (net) and larger 40 Any Strategic Development Location (policies CP18-21) 5 dwellings (net) or more or 0.16 ha (net) or larger 35 Subsequent Development Plan Documents may vary the proportions for affordable housing of allocated sites having regard to the specific viability of the site.

Scale and location of development proposals

The scale of development proposals in Wokingham borough must reflect the existing or proposed levels of facilities and services at or in the location, together with their accessibility. Development proposals (in additional to the Strategic Development Locations in policies CP18-21) within development limits will be acceptable in: 1) The major development locations of Earley, Green Park, Shinfield (North of M4), Twyford, Winnersh, Wokingham and Woodley; 2) The modest development locations of Arborfield Garrison, Pinewood (Crowthorne), Finchampstead North, Ruscombe, Shinfield, Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross and Wargrave. 3) The limited development locations of Arborfield Cross, Barkham Hill, Charvil, Finchampstead, Hurst, Riseley, Sindlesham, Sonning and Swallowfield. 4) The boundary of the Science Park proposed under policy CP16 as defined in the Managing Development Delivery DPD. Affordable housing on rural exception sites will be permitted adjoining the Development Limits of Modest or Limited Development Locations, if a need is demonstrated for residents, workers or other people with family connections within the Parish Council's area.

Planning Obligations

In accordance with Circular 5/05, and Council SPD relating to Infrastructure Delivery for the SDL, developers will be expected to enter into a legal agreement to ensure the provision of necessary infrastructure and facilities detailed in this Statement in order to make the development acceptable. These will include: a) Transport i) Improvements to transport capacity along the A327 (to both the M3 and Reading) and routes toward Bracknell, Wokingham (including the extension of Nine Mile Ride to the A327) ii) Measures to improve accessibility by non-car transport modes along the A327, B3030, B3349 and B3430 corridors, especially on the routes to Bracknell, Reading, Winnersh and Wokingham iii) Improvements to the quality and frequency of public transport services along any part of the network iv) Improvements to increase the use of bicycles including cycle paths v) Enhancements to footpath and cycle networks to improve access to services and facilities vi) The need to avoid traffic on rural roads vii) Measures to maintain the operation of the network in times of flooding b) Education i) Two new primary schools (2 form entry) ii) A secondary school to serve the south of the Borough (up to 1,500 pupils) iii) Affordable housing iv) 35% affordable housing (common to all schemes in line with CP5) c) Community facilities i) New GP surgery ii) Appropriate leisure/recreational facilities iii) Appropriate retail facilities iv) Childrens' centre v) Youth facilities vi) Faith facilities vii) Other communities buildings e.g. community centres viii) Appropriate requirements of the emergency services ix) Appropriate requirements for utilities d) Thames Basin Heaths Mitigation: i) Necessary measures to avoid and mitigate the impact of development upon the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. e) Water/drainage/sewerage: i) Sewage capacity ii) Any necessary flood mitigation measures especially in relation to California Country Park and impact on the SSSI

Infrastructure Requirements - Physical

a) Improvements should be made to the Sewage Network Capacity. b) Any development scheme should accommodate sufficient SANG in line with Policy CP8 to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations and in accordance with Natural England's adopted standards. SANG can be delivered in phases provided each one meets the requirements of c below. c) The provision of SANGS within any proposed development scheme for Shinfield / Spencers Wood / Three Mile Cross will need to reflect Natural England's quality standards regarding size, access, character, availability and function.

Planning Obligations

In accordance with Circular 5/05, and Council SPD relating to Infrastructure Delivery for the SDL, developers will be expected to enter into a legal agreement to ensure the provision of necessary infrastructure and facilitates detailed in this Statement in order to make the development acceptable. These will include: a) Transport i) Measures to maintain the operation of the network in times of flooding ii) Contribute towards Park and Ride in the vicinity of M4 junction 11 iii) Measures to improve accessibility by non car transport modes along the A327 and A33 corridors iv) High quality express bus services between Green Park and Twyford stations via the Park and Rides in the vicinity of M4 junction 11 and Loddon Bridge and Winnersh Triangle railway stations v) Improvements to the quality and frequency of public transport services along any part of the network vi) Improvements to increase the use of bicycles including cycle paths vii) Enhancements to footpath and cycle networks to improve access to services and facilities b) Education i) Up to 2 new primary schools (each of up to three form entry) ii) Expansion of existing primary provision (Shinfield Infant and Junior) from two form entry to three form entry iii) Contributions towards new Secondary School to serve the development c) Affordable housing i) 35% affordable housing (common to all schemes in line with CP5) d) Community facilities i) Expansion of existing local centres in Shinfield and Spencers Wood or at a district centre ii) Appropriate retail facilities iii) Expansion of existing children's centre and youth facilities iv) Leisure/recreational facilities v) Expanded GP surgery vi) Faith facilities vii) Other communities buildings e.g. community centres viii) Appropriate requirements of the emergency services ix) Appropriate requirements for utilities e) Thames Basin Heaths Mitigation i) Necessary measures to avoid and mitigate the impact of development upon the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. f) Water/drainage/sewerage i) Any necessary flood mitigation measures

Physical

a) Improvements should be made to the Sewage Network Capacity. b) Any development scheme should accommodate sufficient SANG in line with Policy CP8 to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations and in accordance with Natural England's adopted standards. SANG can be delivered in phases provided each one meets the requirements of c below. c) The provision of SANG within any proposed development scheme for North Wokingham will need to reflect Natural England's quality standards and requirements for size, access, character, availability and function.

Planning Obligations

In accordance with Circular 5/05, and Council SPD relating to Infrastructure Delivery for the SDL, developers will be expected to enter into a legal agreement to ensure the provision of necessary infrastructure and facilitates facilities detailed in this Statement in order to make the development acceptable. These will include: a) Transport i) Contribute to Reading Road to Wellington Road (Station) link, Wokingham ii) Improvements to transport capacity along the A321 and A329 corridors including the provision of necessary and directly related parts of a new route from the A329 (near the M4 over-bridge) to the vicinity of Coppid Beech roundabout iii) Contribute to rebuilding Wokingham station as a transport interchange iv) Contribute towards Park and Ride near Coppid Beech roundabout on A329 in Wokingham v) High quality express bus services or mass rapid transit along A329 corridor vi) Measures to improve accessibility by non car modes along the A321 and A329 corridors vii) Measures to improve access by non car modes to Wokingham town centre including the station interchange viii) Investigation of scope for new railway stations to directly serve the development ix) Improvements to the quality and frequency of public transport services along any part of the network x) Improvements to increase the use of bicycles including cycle paths xi) Enhancements to footpath and cycle networks to improve access to services and facilities xii) Measures to maintain the operation of the network in times of flooding b) Education i) Provision of one new primary school (2 form entry) ii) Contributions to extended/new secondary school to serve the development iii) Affordable housing iv) 35% affordable housing (common to all schemes in line with CP5) c) Community facilities i) Provision of local centres through provision of a new centre (s) or upgrading existing locations such as Clifton Road, Beanoak Road and Ashridge Road ii) Appropriate retail facilities iii) Appropriate leisure/recreational facilities to take account of the potential to expand and enhance facilities at Cantley Park iv) GP surgery v) Faith facilities vi) Other communities buildings e.g. community centres vii) Appropriate requirements of the emergency services (including a contribution towards the fire service) viii) Appropriate requirements for utilities d) Thames Basin Heaths Mitigation i) Necessary measures to avoid and mitigate the impact of development upon the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. e) Water/drainage/sewerage i) Any necessary flood mitigation measures

Physical

a) Improvements should be made to the Sewage Network Capacity. b) Any development scheme should accommodate sufficient SANG in line with Policy CP8 to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations and in accordance with Natural England's adopted standards. SANG can be delivered in phases provided each one meets the requirements of c below. c) The provision of SANGS within any proposed development scheme for Arborfield Garrison will need to reflect Natural England's quality standards and requirements regarding size, access, character, availability and function.

Infrastructure Requirements

Planning permission will not be granted unless appropriate arrangements for the improvement or provision of infrastructure, services, community and other facilities required for the development taking account of the cumulative impact of schemes are agreed. Arrangements for provision or improvement to the required standard will be secured by planning obligations or condition if appropriate.

Town centres and shopping

Wokingham and Woodley town centres, Lower Earley district centre, Shinfield Road centre, Twyford village centre and Winnersh centre are suitable in principle to accommodate town centre uses. The roles of all existing and new retail centres will be protected and maintained, in addition to local shopping centres and parades that meet the day to day needs of the local community. Losses of retail from primary retail frontages will not be permitted in order to maintain vitality and viability. New retail centres that will not impact upon existing retail centres may be designated through the Local Development Framework. The hierarchy of centres within the borough is: a) Wokingham town centre is designated as a major town centre; b) Arborfield Garrison district centre (proposed through policy CP18), Lower Earley district centre, Shinfield Road district centre, Twyford village centre, Winnersh village centre and Woodley town centre are designated as small town/district centres c) Local centres – as defined in subsequent Development Plan Documents

Growth and Renaissance of Wokingham Town Centre

Wokingham, as a major town centre in Berkshire is considered suitable for growth. Proposals should retain and enhance the historic market town character of Wokingham and maintain its position in the Berkshire retail hierarchy by: 1) Strengthening shopping in the retail core to reduce leakage of expenditure; 2) Conserving and enhancing historic quality and interest; 3) Improving existing public space; 4) Ensuring development cumulatively provides and maintains: a) A wide range of services, learning opportunities, community facilities and tourist facilities that complement existing provision; b) Housing; c) Office accommodation; d) Public open space providing for a range of activities; e) Leisure and entertainment; f) Improved pedestrian links between the station and the shopping streets; g) Improved pedestrian and cycle links between the centre and other parts of the town; h) Appropriate car parking to facilitate a viable and sustainable town centre; i) Enhanced environmental and design quality. 5) The use of compulsory purchase powers to facilitate site assembly and the delivery of renewal and regeneration schemes.

Infrastructure Requirements - Access and Movement

a) A park and ride facility will be required in the vicinity of Junction 11 of the M4. This will provide direct and efficient public transport links to Reading, with future capacity for the proposed Reading Mass Rapid Transit scheme. A landscape strategy should be integral to the proposals to help reduce the visual impact of this facility. b) Provision for public transport interchange should be made within the district centre to cater for direct services to Arborfield Garrison, Bracknell, Twyford, Reading, Winnersh and Wokingham. This should include secure cycle parking, high quality real time passenger information portals and covered, heated and secure passenger waiting facilities. c) A strategy for prioritising public transport services and facilities within and beyond the SDL is required, including improvements to the A327 and A33. d) A strategy for prioritising walking and cycling within and between settlements should be provided.

Access and Movement

a) Connections with the existing highway network should be provided for higher and lower order streets to ensure a high degree of integration with the existing town, to help disperse traffic movement and to facilitate public transport movement through the site. This will tie in to the Council's town centre traffic reduction scheme and reduce the need for residents living in the vicinity of the North Wokingham SDL to drive through the town centre in order to access local strategic highways. b) An internal network of Greenway routes should be provided to connect to existing routes within the town and to provide safe routes for primary and secondary school children. Where possible, existing cul-de-sacs should be opened up to connect into this network. c) Easy and safe access to the Park & Ride facility at Coppid Beech and any of public transport interchanges within or near to the site should be provided. These will create opportunities for the new and existing communities to 'walk and ride' and 'cycle and ride' to Bracknell, Reading and national rail links at Wokingham station. d) Easy and safe access to the new park and ride must be provided to create an opportunity for 'walk and ride' and 'cycle and ride'. e) Facilities and stops for local bus services to link to Wokingham town centre and mainline railway station should be provided. f) A Personalised Travel Planning Service should be delivered for new home owners to inform them of their transport options.

Improvements to the Strategic Transport Network

Improvements to the Strategic Transport Network will be provided to ameliorate major environmental or safety problems and to support new development in partnership with other authorities. The improvements to the strategic transport network are: 1 – Measures to improve cross Thames travel which may include a bridge 2 – Reading Road to Wellington road link, Wokingham 3 – Improvements to the railway bridges on the A321 Finchampstead Road, Wokingham 4 – Re-building Wokingham station as a public transport interchange, including provision of access by foot, cycle and public transport 5 – Provide a Park & Ride near the Coppid Beech roundabout on the A329 in Wokingham 6 - Improvements to M4 Junction 11 and A33 Mereoak roundabout, Three Mile Cross 7 – Provide a Park & Ride in the vicinity of M4, Junction 11 8 – Winnersh relief road 9 – Twyford Eastern relief road 10 – High quality express bus services or mass rapid transit along the A4 and A329 corridors 11 – High quality express bus services or mass rapid transit between Reading and Woodley town centres 12 – High quality express bus services between Green Park and Twyford stations via the Park & Rides in the vicinity of M4, J11 and Loddon Bridge and Winnersh Triangle railway station 13 – Reading station improvements 14 – Great Western mainline improvements 15 – Western access by rail to Heathrow airport including Airtrack 16 – Crossrail 17 – Improvements listed in policies CP18-21 18 – Measures to maintain the operation of the network during times of flooding 19 – Improvements to the quality and frequency of public transport services along any part of the network 20 – Improvements to increase the use of bicycles, including cycle paths 21 – Enhancements to footpath and cycle networks to improve access to services and facilities 22 - Improvements to M4 Junction 10.

Managing Travel Demand

Planning permission will be granted for schemes that: a) Provide for sustainable forms of transport to allow choice; b) Are located where there are or will be at the time of development choices in the mode of transport available and which minimise the distance people need to travel; c) Improve the existing infrastructure network, including road, rail and public transport, enhance facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, including provision for those with reduced mobility, and other users; d) Provide appropriate vehicular parking, having regard to car ownership; e) Mitigate any adverse effects upon the local and strategic transport network that arise from the development proposed; f) Enhance road safety; and g) Do not cause highway problems or lead to traffic related environmental problems.