Last updated:
14th February 2024
Housing evidence
Settlement Hierarchy
The Settlement Hierarchy Assessment is a technical study that considers the range of services and facilities available at different settlements within Wokingham Borough. The provision of services and facilities changes, so this study presents a snapshot in time. It is not the role of this study to determine where development is directed.
A copy of the study can be found below:
Local Housing Needs Assessment (2023)
The Local Housing Needs Assessment identifies the size, type and tenure of homes that will be needed in the future. The report also assesses the housing needs of different groups, including affordable housing.
Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA)
Undertaking a SHMA is a key requirement of Government’s planning for housing policy, set out in the National Planning Policy Framework on the Gov.uk website and the National Planning Practice Guidance.
The Berkshire and South Bucks SHMA is a technical study undertaken by GL Hearn to assess the future housing need for Berkshire and South Bucks up until 2036. Read the full report, below.
For an overview of the SHMA, see the presentation of the results below.
A sensitivity analysis has been undertaken for the Western Berkshire Housing Market Area to take account of more recent data. Read the full report below.
5 Year Housing Land Supply Statement
A 5 year housing land supply statement is undertaken to include details of whether a five year supply of housing land is available within the borough.
The most recent 5 Year Housing Land Supply Statement can be found below.
- 5 Year Housing Land Supply Statement (March 2023) (PDF document)
- Appendix 4 - Strategic Development Locations Progress Maps (March 2022) (PDF document)
Housing and Economic Land Availability (HELAA)
The Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) helps to identify future sources of land to help meet development needs. It is a technical study of all potential land for housing and economic uses (such as offices and retail). The inclusion of land within a HELAA report does not in itself determine that it is suitable for development, or that the land is necessary available for development. Assessments made through a HELAA are indicative only and do not prejudice assessments make through the Local Plan or planning application processes.
The joint methodology has been prepared by Reading Borough Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Slough Borough Council, West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council. The methodology will be used to assess the land for development. It sets out the way the councils broadly propose to assess the suitability of land put forward for development; whether it is available, achievable and whether the development could realistically be built in the timescales expected. Read the full report, below.
First Homes Interim Policy Statement
This First Homes Interim Policy Statement outlines the position of Wokingham Borough Council on First Homes. The Government published a Written Ministerial Statement and a Planning Practice Guide on 24 May 2021, setting out details relating to the new First Homes policy in England. The Council's interim policy statement is in response to the Government's First Homes policy, explaining the implications for Wokingham Borough and introducing local eligibility criteria in line with Government guidance. Read the First Homes Interim Policy Statement, below.
Affordable Housing
We ask for affordable housing to be provided within the borough to assist people who are unable to access suitable accommodation on the open market.
There is more detail about the amount and size of the units required in the supporting text to policy CP5 of our adopted Core Strategy. In addition to policy CP5, we have an Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (PDF Document). The Affordable Housing SPD sets out our approach to securing affordable housing as part of housing development. We are continuing to apply policy CP5 regarding affordable housing thresholds. Read our Affordable Housing Position Statement (PDF document) for more details.
We appointed Levvel to undertake an Affordable Housing Viability Study (PDF document) to assess thresholds, quotas, tenure mixes and grant assumptions. This study was updated in 2009 through the Affordable Housing Viability Study (PDF document) and this has helped us to formulate policies for affordable housing in our local plan documents.
Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showperson Accommodation Assessment
National policy sets out that local planning authorities should make their own assessment of need for Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites within their area.
The Council has commissioned an updated Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) which sets out the overall pitch/plot requirements for Gypsies, Travellers, and Travelling Showpeople in the borough. It replaces the previous study which was completed in 2017. Read the full GTAA 2023 report below.
Brownfield Register
Local Planning Authorities are required through the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) and the Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017 to publish a Brownfield Land Register.
The purpose of publishing a Register is that it encourages the reuse of brownfield sites (also known as "previously developed land" as defined by Annex 2 of the National Planning Policy Framework) and is intended to speed up the planning process for such sites. Whilst the register focuses on the redevelopment of sites for residential use, it can include other uses too, such as offices and retail, provided they support a residential element.
The register comprises 2 parts:
- Part 1 is compulsory for every Local Planning Authority and identifies all brownfield sites with full or outline planning permission. It also contains brownfield sites that may be considered as appropriate for residential development, having regard to local and national policy; and
- Part 2 is discretionary but does have prescribed details and actions. Sites included in Part 1 of the register can then be considered for inclusion in Part 2, where they can obtain 'permission in principle', subject to relevant publicity and consultation. Part 2 is discretionary and is intended to speed up the planning process for redevelopment of brownfield sites.
A brownfield site is included in the register where it:
- Has an area of at least 0.25 hectares or is capable of supporting at least 5 dwellings;
- Is promoted for residential development;
- Is achievable (development can take place within 15 years of the entry date); and
- Is suitable for residential development.
Additionally, in accordance with national guidance, as part of the process to assess the suitability of brownfield sites for residential development, the following points are also considered:
- Any adverse impacts on the natural environment
- Any adverse impacts on the local built environment, in particular on heritage assets
- Any adverse impacts on the local amenity that such development might cause for intended occupiers or occupiers of neighbouring properties
- The spatial strategy of the adopted and emerging Local Plans
- National policies and advice
- Guidance issued by the Secretary of State
Wokingham Borough Council are legally obliged to publish a register of the brownfield land available for development within the Borough. This Register has been compiled in accordance with the government's guidance.
Brownfield Register documents
