New 59 Home Development Near Tesco Planned

A plan for dozens of new homes next to a Tesco Superstore in Bracknell is due to be decided.

A plan for new homes next to Tesco in Bracknell is up for a decision.

St William Homes wants to build 59 homes next to Tesco Bracknell in Martins Heron, right by a gas pressure reduction station.

The development features 30 houses and 29 apartments just a short walk from Martins Heron station, providing easy access to trains between Reading and London Waterloo.

They're also proposing a direct pedestrian link to the station, pending negotiation with Network Rail.

Out of the 59 homes, up to 13 would be affordable, including seven for social rent and six for affordable rent, although this could change based on viability.

A Bracknell Forest Council housing report points out that a minimum of six three to four-bed homes should be affordable, despite earlier agreement on at least seven. This revision has been met with disappointment from the council.

At a planning committee meeting, 21 objections have been registered. While Martins Heron is part of Bracknell, it is governed by Winkfield Parish Council, which objects due to safety concerns about the site access being too close to a busy junction.

Despite the objections, planning officer Margaret McEvitt has recommended approval, noting that the council's highways department has no issues with the access. She also mentioned that there are enough parking spaces included in the plans.

Regarding concerns about the height of the proposed three to four-storey buildings, she acknowledged the difference from the surrounding two-storey homes but reassured that trees will screen the site.

The project promises a 3.87% biodiversity net gain, with additional funding for off-site biodiversity improvements expected to increase this to 10%.

To view the application, visit the council planning portal and enter reference 24/00122/FUL.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter