Pin. Affordable Housing Development proposal in Bracknell Forest, 74-76 Binfield Road

Descriptions

Introduction BFC is seeking interest in a proposal to transfer surplus council-owned land at 74-76 Binfield Road (RG42 2AR) to a Registered Provider (RP). It is proposed that offers over £100k will be invited for the freehold to enable a new development of 4 bed family homes for rent and meet a critical shortage of these homes in the area. Site description The total site area of the combined sites edged red on the site plan (74 and 76 Binfield Road) is approximately 1850 sq m. Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing buildings on 14 September 2022 (a copy is available on the planning portal under reference 22/00090/DEM) and the buildings are in the process of being demolished to slab level. This work will be completed before the site is transferred. Relevant planning history and policy The previous use of 76 Binfield Road as an office would have fallen within B1(a) of the Use Classes Order (this would now fall within the much broader class E). There is no evidence of planning consent for this use being granted, but this use had existed for in excess of 10 years prior to the demolition of the buildings. The previous use of 74 Binfield Road was as part of the adjoining adult services site and was used as short and medium stay residential facilities for adults with learning disabilities, which falls within use class C2 (residential institution). The proposed residential use would be within use class C3 and whilst there have been no discussions with the planning service, given the site comprises previously developed land within the defined settlement boundary, it is believed that the principle of redevelopment of the entire site for this use would be acceptable. The site is located within a predominantly residential area, with a petrol station to the North-West and adjacent to the existing access point. The site is located within 5km of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA and within 2km of an SSSI. Other Terms Subject to satisfactory interest from RPs the Council will be seeking offers in excess of £100k for the freehold, and on the basis of the following; a)The site is to be developed for affordable four bed family homes for rent. Higher priority will be given to bidders who are able to offer properties for rent at social rent, rather than affordable rent. b)Nomination rights to be granted to BFC in perpetuity c)The contract will be subject to the purchaser achieving a planning consent for their chosen scheme within a reasonable timeframe (to be agreed with the successful provider prior to contracts being exchanged). d)The homes must be delivered and made available for occupation within 2 years of completion of the sale (which will occur after the grant of planning consent). For the avoidance of doubt, no offer below £100k will be considered