Council to vote on controversial bus stop plan

The plans are part of Bracknell Forest Council's plans to regenerate the town centre

A controversial plan to demolish a bus station and replace it with housing is set to be decided on next week.

The proposal to demolish the transport hub and replace it with a market square including 600 flats, offices and shops is part of Bracknell Forest Council's plan to regenerate the town centre.

Residents were worried a lack of a central hub for buses would make bus travel less accessible.

But, following the consultation feedback, the council promised an "attractive and accessible" bus system.

The council's plan is made up of three developments - the Southern Gateway Development Area, which covers the bus station, the Eastern Gateway which covers the area around Easthampstead Works, and the High Street car park.

If approved, a total of 952 homes could be built across the three areas.

A new market square will be built, replacing the current bus station

An executive report revealed the "most common objection received" in the consultation related to the bus station.

"Reasons [were] mainly around concerns that bus services would be less accessible as a result, and that supporting facilities, such as seating, shelters, a café and those for driver change-over would not be reproved," the report read.

People were also worried it would be more difficult to navigate the bus network without one central area.

Bracknell Forest Council said the functions of the existing bus station would be retained, including driver facilities and enhanced bus stops with seating and shelters.

The current bus stop would be relocated in a circuit around the edges of the new square making it easily accessible to residents, according to the council.

It also promised an increase in bus stops, routes and bays, and said the bus station would not be demolished until new arrangements were in place.

Residents also raised concerns about a lack of open green space, and the removal of underpasses.

In response, the council said it would create new open space as well as improving existing ones, and that it would ensure there were "adequate" road crossings where underpasses were removed.

Councillors will vote on the plan on Tuesday 15 October.