Adopted SPD
Following adoption of the Bracknell Forest Local Plan, the council has produced a Masterplans Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
The SPD was adopted by council at the Tuesday 23 June 2026 Cabinet meeting. Following adoption, it is a material consideration in the determination of masterplans and planning applications.
You can view and download the Masterplans SPD (PDF, 4.3MB).
You can also view and download supporting documents below:
Background
This document provides guidance on what the council’s expectations are for the preparation and approval of masterplans in relation to residential and mixed-use developments. It primarily provides guidance about the implementation of the following Bracknell Forest Local Plan to 2037 (PDF, 118 MB) policies:
- LP28 (Design Principles)
- LP50 (Design)
Policy LP28 requires masterplans for larger, complex or more sensitive developments to be agreed on by the council before a planning application is submitted.
A masterplan is a way of explaining how a specific site or area may be developed in the future. This helps to make sure that a site is developed in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.
It outlines the vision, design, uses and layout based on an analysis of the site and its context. This includes local characteristics, topography, constraints and opportunities.
A masterplan is not a single plan or drawing. It is a framework document which builds up layers of information such as:
- a site appraisal
- access and movement
- land use
- built form
- green infrastructure considerations
This then culminates in an ‘illustrative masterplan’ drawing.
The document provides guidance for developers (those who submit planning applications) and will be used by officers in assessing masterplans.