Housing in the Wokingham Borough

How much is needed?

In January 2010 the Council adopted its Core Strategy. The housing targets and when it is projected that these shall be met are outlined in policy CP17 of this document.

Where is it going to go?

In its 'vision document', the Core Strategy, the Council sought to identify areas of land to accommodate the majority of new development. These areas are referred to as 'Strategic Development Locations' and are located to the north and south of Wokingham, Arborfield Garrison and south of the M4. Smaller sites for housing will come forward through the 'Managing Development Delivery' Document which will form part of the Wokingham Borough's Local Development Framework (LDF).

I have a site not included in any of these plans, can I still build on it?

You can submit an application for the development of housing on a plot of land even if it is not formally included in a development plan. These sites are referred to as 'windfall' sites and may involve the demolition and construction of one or more homes. Applications on windfall sites will be considered based on their own merits and how well they perform against relevant planning policies - including those for affordable housing.

Where do I find out more information on planning policies for housing?

Useful guidance on housing development can be found in:

• Planning Policy Statement 3 - Housing (PPS3): This is a document produced by central government and outlines the overall approach for housing development nationally.

• Policies within the Wokingham Borough Local Development Framework: Look at those which refer to housing, but also those which apply to your plot of land. You can find out which planning policies affect your land by viewing the 'Local Development Framework' view on the Council's interactive mapping system.

• Saved policies from the Wokingham District Local Plan: These are being used in the interim of the Council completing all of the documents within the LDF. More information will be available on this website as to which policies have been superseded on the 'Local Development Framework' page. You can also find out which Local Plan policies affect your land by viewing the 'Local Plan' view on the Council's interactive mapping system.