Have your say on new planning guidance

Residents are being invited to share their views on 3 draft planning guidance documents that support the Bracknell Forest Local Plan.

The consultations will run from Wednesday 25 March to 5pm on Friday 24 April 2026. Residents can view the documents and respond to the consultations on the council’s website.

These supplementary planning documents (SPDs) explain how the council applies Local Plan policies when assessing planning applications. 

Masterplans

The Masterplans SPD sets out what the council expects from masterplans (how a site will be designed and built) for residential and mixed use developments. It explains how Local Plan design policies should be applied to new development sites that require masterplans.

Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure

The Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure SPD explains how planning applications should protect and enhance nature. It supports Local Plan policies: 

• green infrastructure
• designated nature conservation and geological sites
• biodiversity

Planning Obligations

The Planning Obligations SPD explains how the council will secure the infrastructure needed to support new development. It relates to Local Plan policies: infrastructure and transport principles.

More information

Cllr Guy Gillbe, cabinet member for planning, transport, and countryside, said: 

“These draft guidance documents play a vital role in shaping well designed and sustainable places across Bracknell Forest. We want residents to feel confident that new development enhances the communities it becomes part of. Your feedback is essential, and we encourage everyone to take part in the consultation.”

The SPDs sit alongside the Bracknell Forest Local Plan and help guide planning decisions. 

The council’s Cabinet agreed to launch the consultations at its meeting earlier this month. All feedback received will be considered before the documents are finalised. Once adopted, the SPDs will become a material consideration when planning applications are assessed.

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