Planning consultant for Bracknell Forest

Local plan and key policies

The Bracknell Forest Local Plan 2020 to 2037 was adopted on 19 March 2024. It superseded the saved policies of the 2002 Borough Local Plan, the 2008 Core Strategy and parts of the 2013 Site Allocations Local Plan.

The council has since adopted a set of supplementary planning documents that shape applications: the Housing SPD (March 2025), the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area SPD (May 2025), and the Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure SPD (June 2026) supporting policies LP30, LP31 and LP53. The Character Area Assessments SPD describes the character of specific areas and is used when judging the design of extensions and new homes.

Article 4 directions and local constraints

Bracknell Forest has a small number of site specific Article 4 directions that restrict extensions and alterations, including Ascot Place, Cheval Stud, Cokeley Mead, Juniper, Larges Lane and Lauradale. The council decided in 2022 not to renew its Article 4 direction on office to residential conversions in the business areas.

How long decisions take

Bracknell Forest Council works to the statutory periods: 8 weeks for householder and minor applications and 13 weeks for major applications, from validation. Prior approvals for larger home extensions have a 42 day determination period. We keep the case officer informed and respond quickly to requests, which helps applications stay on track.