Planning permission granted for 21 new affordable homes in Wokingham

Planning permission has been granted for 21 new affordable homes in Wokingham town centre. 

The approval marks an important milestone in the council’s long‑term work to increase the supply of high‑quality, affordable housing for local residents. 

Plans were approved by councillors at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday 14 October.

The homes will be built near the junction of Wellington Road and Station Road, on a site previously intended for office use. 

All 21 homes will be for affordable housing, significantly exceeding the targeted 40 per cent requirement. The development will mainly comprise one‑bedroom flats, with a small number of two‑bedroom properties. 

Every home will meet national space standards and accessibility regulations, ensuring they are suitable for a wide range of residents, including those requiring wheelchair access. One flat is specifically designed for a wheelchair user.

The scheme is funded through a combination of developer contributions, support from the Government's Brownfield Release Fund and council borrowing, with the council also intending to seek funding through Homes England's Affordable Homes Programme.

Once complete, the homes will be managed by the council. The flats will be allocated to those with greatest need to include priority groups such as care leavers and adults with support requirements.

Helping people stay in their community

The development will increase the availability of homes for social rent, helping to provide quality housing for households on the housing waiting list in a central and well-connected location.

By increasing the supply of locally provided specialist housing, the scheme will reduce reliance on out‑of‑borough placements, which are often higher cost and can be disruptive for residents. 

Providing the right homes locally improves outcomes for individuals while delivering better value for money for taxpayers and helping protect funding for wider council services.

Well-connected town centre location

Designed to reflect the character of the local area, the building will also help enhance an important route between Wokingham Station and the town centre. 

The central location offers excellent access to public transport, shops and essential services, supporting more sustainable living and providing a more attractive entrance into the town.

Cllr Stephen Conway, Leader of Wokingham Borough Council and executive member for housing, partnerships and the local plan, said:

“We’re delighted that planning permission has now been secured for this important development. 

This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing high‑quality, affordable homes in the right places, particularly for residents who need additional support to live independently and securely in the borough. 

“Delivering 100 per cent affordable housing on such a central, well‑connected site allows us to meet genuine local need, reduce reliance on costly out‑of‑borough placements and make better use of public money.

“These homes will help people stay close to their communities, services and support networks, while contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable and thriving town centre for everyone.”

Investing in more affordable housing

The council continues to invest in creating more homes in the borough, with a £24 million programme to provide council housing and specialist homes for local people approved last month.

There’s also £3.5million investment for 11 affordable homes at Seymour House, off Denmark Street in Wokingham.