1. I would like to see information on all development options being considered for Rooks Nest Farm since 1st may 2022. I would like to see all information about possible development of the land or sale of the land.

I would in particular be interested in any proposals to build affordable housing on the site or a covid wood

Wokingham Borough Council have considered this request and are refusing the disclosure of information under Regulations 12(5)(e) Commercial or industrial information; 12(4)(e) internal communications and also parts which relate to personal data under Regulation 13. Regulations 12(5)(e) and 12(4)(e) are subject to the Public Interest Test. The Assistant Director for the Service in conjecture with the Freedom of Information team have reviewed the arguments presented for and against disclosure and believe that the public interest test maintains the exemptions.

At this time of financial hardship across the country there is even more scrutiny in how public organisations spend funds and the Council recognise that residents are interested in us being a transparent organisation. Disclosure of any financial discussions that have taken place can affect the Councils negotiation power which would affect us getting the best value for money and use of public funds when the time comes to enter those discussions with the relevant parties.

To allow discussions to take place there need to be a safe space to consider options and discuss proposals which may include options that can be considered as unfavourable, and officers may not put forward any proposals from fear that they will be prematurely entered into the public domain and/or may not even be an option that is considered as suitable for a site. Incomplete, inaccurate or misinterpreted information could then impact on the actual considerations, design, and process which can impact on resources in dealing with these concerns. The decision-making process is a public process, and is made available at the right time. Information on the preferred approach, if any, will be made available in the public domain through governance, and if appropriate through the planning process, for neighbours and interested party to understand, engage and influence proposals and decisions.

Personal data is an absolute exemption – Any information which would allow the identification of an individual (e.g someone who commented on a consultation) would be removed.

Some information has been recently released in relation to Rooks Nest Farm. A paper considered at Executive on 29/09/22 [Agenda item 43 Special Education Needs and Disability Sufficiency and Safety Valve Programmes] recommended the use of Rooks Nest Farm as a potential site for a new Special Educational Needs (SEND) school.

Recommendation number 2 says:
That the Executive “Supports the recommendation to utilise two sites (part of Rooks Nest Farm, Barkham and part of Grays Farm, south of Wokingham) owned by the Council for the provision of two new Special Free Schools and note that the disposal of these sites would be subject to a further Executive decision.”

This recommendation was agreed by the Executive on 29th September 2022. The Executive paper and supporting papers are available on the Council’s website.