Submission Core Strategy Consultation

Our Core Strategy Consultation has now closed.

The Wokingham Borough Core Strategy consultation took place between 20 August 2008 and closed at 5pm on 1 October 2008. See a summary of the comments you sent to us during this consultation, below, or pick up a paper copy from our Planning Team at our Shute End Offices.

What happens now?

The comments you made during the Core Strategy consultation have now been sent to the Government Inspector who's job it is to decide whether the Core Strategy may be regarded as 'sound', meaning: viable. The Inspector will do this by comparing the Core Strategy against the 'tests of soundness' and 'tests for legal compliance'. Your comments will be used by the Inspector to help him identify what the main issues are within the Core Strategy.

Examination in Public

The Examination in Public is the next step in the process. This is a chance for the Inspector to invite people who commented on the Core Strategy and indicated they would like to attend the Examination to round table discussion. At this discussion the Inspector may ask further questions with regards to the formal written comments made to the consultation so he is able to reach a more informed decision on the soundness of the Core Strategy. The Examination starts on 17 March 2009. 

What is a Programme Officer?

A Programme Officer is someone who works independently of us and acts as an assitant to the government Inspector during the Examination. The Programme Officer for this Examination is Ms Lynette Duncan and she is the person to contact regarding any part of the Examination process. She can be contacted by email at lynette.duncan@wokingham.gov.uk or by telephoning (0118) 974 6828.

During the Examination Ms Duncan will also arrange for there to be public access to a library at our offices, which will contain all of the documents used as the evidence base of the Core Strategy. There will be a copy of the Core Strategy and a copy of all your comments sent to us during the Core Strategy consultation period.  

What is the Core Strategy?

The Core Strategy sets out how the Wokingham Borough will develop over the coming 2 decades and how we aim to protect and enhance the quality of life for residents. Following extensive public consultation at the ‘Issues and Options’ and ‘Preferred Options’ stages of the Core Strategy, and having collected an evidence base to support our policies, we have now developed a ‘Submission Core Strategy’ which was approved by our Executive on 26 June 2008. The submission Core Strategy is available to read below and can also be seen at our Shute End Offices.