The council is this week launching a consultation on the changes (known as main modifications) that independent planning inspectors say are needed to ensure Bracknell Forest’s Local Plan meets requirements.

This is the next step for the emerging Local Plan, which sets out where new homes, businesses and facilities could be located in the next 15 years.

In January, government planning inspectors confirmed the borough’s draft Local Plan is legally compliant but needs some modifications. This is not a unique situation - nearly all councils are asked to make modifications by planning inspectors prior to adoption.

These main modifications will now be consulted on publicly for six weeks, from 10am on 31 October 2023. This means residents and other interested groups can have their say on the changes, but their views must be received by the council no later than 11.59pm on Tuesday, 12 December 2023. Late representations will not be accepted by the council but will be brought to the attention of the inspectors.

The consultation only relates to the main modifications recommended by the inspectors and not any other part of the wider Local Plan.

The main modifications include:

• the removal of the proposed garden village at Jealott’s Hill
• the removal of sites opposite Pope’s Meadow in Binfield and Lower Church Road in Sandhurst

The consultation is focused on whether the main modifications comply with legal requirements and meet the tests inspectors say are needed to ensure Bracknell Forest’s Local Plan meets its requirements. These are the key issues that the independent inspectors will consider when assessing the consultation responses.

Once the consultation ends, comments will be passed to the independent planning inspectors for their consideration. After reviewing the responses, inspectors will then issue their final report, which will be considered by the council. It is hoped that the Local Plan will then proceed to full Council for adoption.

Cllr Guy Gillbe, executive member for planning and transport, said: “We are hopeful that following this consultation, we will be able to satisfy the views of the planning inspectors and put forward a Local Plan for adoption.

“This consultation specifically relates to the main modifications recommended by the independent planning inspectors. It’s important to note that it is not an opportunity to raise matters that either were, or could have been, part of the earlier representations or hearings on the submitted plan. Any comments received will be passed directly to the planning inspectors for consideration once the consultation closes.

“This is an important chance for residents to continue shaping our Local Plan so that ultimately we have a framework in place to guide and support the considered development of our town.”

The full schedule of main modifications can be found on the council website at: https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/local-plan-latest.

It is also available to view at libraries across the borough.

Find out how to take part in the consultation by visiting: https://consult.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/portal/main_modifications_october_23

The Main Modifications have, where necessary, been subject to Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulation Assessment.