A controversial new housing development in Wokingham is to go ahead, despite a wave of objections from local residents. 

Taylor Wimpey, a construction company based in West London, have received planning approval for the scheme, named The Rowcrofts, which will see 43 homes built off Princess Marina Drive in Arborfield.  

The plan, which forms part of the existing Arborfield Green development, was given the green light by the council on June 10 following a unanimous decision by the commitee.  

The Rowcrofts will consist of three and four-bedroom homes and two-bedroom apartments, with nine of the homes to be allocated as affordable housing – comprising a mix of social rent and shared ownership properties.  

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Electric vehicle charging points will be provided for each property, with additional communal charging points, as well as new trees and hedgerows planted on the development site – whilst promising to maintain all of the exisiting trees. 

Additionally, there will also be ecological improvements including bat and bird boxes, hedgehog highways and bee bricks.  

Head of planning for Taylor Wimpey, Robin Pearmain, said: “We are committed to creating long lasting communities and we are confident that The Rowcrofts at Arborfield Green will continue the positive contributions that have already been made to the local area.  

“The Rowcrofts will deliver a range of high quality housing to meet the local need, as well as new public open space and green infrastructure across the site. We look forward to starting work on site later this year.”  

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The inclusion of the ecological enhancements came following complaints from residents that there had been a “noticeable reduction” in the bat population numbers due to recent building works. 

However, complaints persisted in relation to over development in the area and, most notably, “insufficient facilities” being provided despite having recieved promises of a village centre. 

Barkham Parish Counil noted in its objection that they were “aware of the growing frustration and resentment” expressed by residents regarding the delay. 

Resident Amy Chalfont commented: “[…] there are already enough new builds on the Garrison site, many of which are still unsold. We have Crest Nicholson, Millgate, Bloor, Belway, Redrow, and Legal & General already building and I see no need for a nother developer or development.  

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“Without any new community services such as doctors, dentists, shops or nurseries the already overloaded services will become even harder to access.” 

Another, Anne White, said the residents had been “waiting for six years” for a ‘district centre’ to be built, which would include shops, a pub and other ammenities to serve the influx of new houses. 

“This was promised to be imminent at the time of purchase. Nothing has materialised. Misrepresentation springs to mind,” she added.