On behalf of Thames Valley Housing and Bracknell Forest Council, Iceni Projects (Planning) secured a resolution to grant planning permission for the development of 193 residential apartments and 364 sq. m of flexible, commercial floorspace overlooking a public square.

The site, which currently comprises two office buildings, will be re-developed to provide a high-quality, affordable housing scheme, with enhanced public realm and ancillary commercial floorspace – creating active frontage and improving pedestrian links to the centre of Bracknell, whilst acting as a catalyst for future investment and growth. The site was previously earmarked as a regeneration priority for the Council and formed part of the outline planning permission for the wider town centre (as granted in October 2013). Importantly, redevelopment of the Site will allow for the delivery of much needed affordable homes in Bracknell, whilst helping to support the vitality and viability of the town centre into the future.

This remains one of the key planning priorities at both a national – with the Chancellor, Philip Hammond announcing last week that “making housing more affordable will be a vital part of building a country that works for everyone” – and local level. Schemes such as these should only be encouraged.