Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG)

SANG idenitified in the Wokingham Borough

A site at Rooks Nest Wood in Barkham was approved for use as SANG on 19th August 2009.

The 18.5 hectare site will provide mitigation:

• For up to for 1,000 new households (based on an average household size of 2.55 people) that are within the 5km mitigation zone of the SPA

• Developments of nine dwellings (net gain) that are within the 5km mitigation zone (but can be further from the SANG). 

• Larger developments within the 7km mitigation zone and 5km of Rooks Nest Farm.

Full details relating to this site are contained in the document called 'SANG - Rooks Nest Wood advice note' which is attached to the right hand-side of this page. Please also note that Rooks Nest Farm has now been renamed Rooks Nest Wood.

What is Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace?

Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) are areas of exisiting open space that have been identified for enhancement so that they can be made more accessible and attractive to visitors. The hope is that by providing alternative areas for the general public to use for outdoor recreation, it will help lessen the impact on the Thames Basin Heaths as new households can use the SANG instead of the protected heathland.