The site is outside of the Wokingham settlement boundary, but is a previously developed site occupied by a small run-down commercial unit. It had previously been promoted for residential development, although that had not proved to be acceptable to the Local Planning Authority and an alternative redevelopment approach was required.

Bewley Homes approached Gillings Planning being aware of our expertise in securing planning permission for care home development. Due to the short timescales required and the need to provide flexibility for marketing the site in the future, it was decided to apply for permission in outline. Gillings Planning were asked to provide the planning consultancy role as well as project management of the supporting technical team.

Key to the success of this scheme was the ability to take a genuinely ‘landscape-led’ approach ensuring that the visual and landscape impact of a two-storey care home would not be materially greater than the existing single storey commercial buildings. It was also important to be able to secure at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain on site, whilst also reserving sufficient space for the care home, its gardens and parking areas. Through careful and positive working with the Council’s Officers, a sensitively designed scheme was put forward which secured permission, including a unanimous endorsement at Wokingham’s Planning Committee.