3,000 homes for Ashridge?

A DEVELOPER has unveiled plans for 3,000 homes in Wokingham.

Ashridge Wokingham Ltd released a document last month to promote 227 hectares of land to the north of Wokingham, between the M4 and the A329.

The company is looking to be a Strategic Development Location in the council’s new local plan.

This sets out a vision for development in the borough until March 2036.

The proposal is for 3,000 homes across six neighbourhoods including affordable homes, homes for the elderly, first homes, self-build and custom homes. There will also be a new district centre with space for a healthcare hub as well as retail, employment and recreational uses.

Within the 227 hectares of land there is provision for 102 hectares of open space, including woodland, sports pitches and suitable alternative natural greenspace.

Ashridge Wokingham states the area is “clear of any serious planning constraints” and “is not in the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ) surrounding AWE Burghfield”.

Local authorities are responsible for setting DEPZ for nuclear sites where there could be a radiation emergency with offsite consequences and preparing detailed plans for responding to such an emergency.

Plans for a new garden town featuring 15,000 homes in Grazeley were withdrawn due to its proximity to the nuclear site.

Ashridge Wokingham’s documents also show the area is not a high flood risk or in the green belt.

The company is also proposing to build two, two-form entry primary schools with early years provision, with one possibly accommodating a secondary school to provide an allthrough school.

To accommodate the increase in traffic on roads, an on-site park and ride facility with services to Wokingham, Reading, Twyford and Bracknell is being proposed.

There is also a new road junction with the A329 from Warren House Road, enabling direct access and reducing congestion.

For pedestrians and cyclists, the plans show three “Active Travel Crossings” over the A329, creating a safe route into Wokingham.

The scheme will retain a number of on-site businesses, including the Ashridge Manor Garden Centre, protecting existing jobs and potential employment opportunities for residents.

Wokingham.Today understands no official application has been made to Wokingham Borough Council.