At its meeting on Thursday (September 27), Wokingham Borough Council’s decision-making executive will consider proposals to select a development partner for housing schemes in Wokingham and Woodley.
The executive will be asked to transfer land at Wellington Road / Station Road in Wokingham and at the former Woodley Age Concern site to a wholly owned housing company.
If agreed by the executive, the two sites would deliver 29 new affordable homes in the borough, subject to planning permission, comprising a mixture of social rented properties and shared ownership homes. It is proposed that these affordable homes would be part funded through the use of £550,000 of section 106 commuted sums, known as developer contributions.
The site at Wellington Road / Station Road in Wokingham is predominantly cleared. It is an important location opposite the railway station and would be a landmark development for the town. The site at the former Woodley Age Concern day centre in South Lake Crescent was cleared earlier this year following its closure.
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, deputy leader and executive member for housing, said: “Delivering affordable housing is a top priority for this council. This transfer, if approved on Thursday, would enable the council’s wholly owned housing company to develop more affordable housing to add to our existing portfolio. The proposals are for a mix of social rent and shared ownership houses and flats.
“If approved, it would be an exciting to get another development underway to help local people to get new homes.”
In June 2011, the borough council established WHL to provide a range of high quality affordable and market housing for the people of Wokingham Borough. By setting up the company, it has meant that the borough council has more influence and flexibility over the quality, type and affordability of housing developed. It also ensures these new properties meets the needs and aspirations of the Borough’s residents.
