November community drop-in update
The Wellington Estate and 3West held a second phase of community engagement on the emerging Bramley Meadows proposals through three days of staffed drop-in events from 4–6 November 2025. We’re grateful to everyone who’s joined us for the event and who shared their views.
These events built on the earlier workshops held in August 2025 and provided an opportunity for residents to review updated proposals, speak directly with the project team and share their views on how the plans are evolving.
Over this three-day period, 240 feedback responses were received via event feedback forms, online submissions and written comments. This feedback is helping to inform further refinements to the emerging proposals ahead of a planning application being submitted in the coming months.
We remain contactable for any further comments or questions via:
Email: info@bramley-meadows.co.uk
Freephone number: 0808 143 4781
When we submit our planning application something called a statement of community involvement will be one of the many documents included and made publicly available on the council’s planning portal. This will include all feedback received, an analysis of that feedback and an explanation as to how the plans have responded.
What you’ve said so far
INFRASTRUCTURE AND AMENITIES
Phase 2 feedback confirmed that local infrastructure remains a central concern. Many residents reiterated that services such as water, sewerage, drainage, health provision and education are already under pressure, and that new homes should only be supported where necessary infrastructure is planned early and reliably.
Respondents continued to share experiences of flooding, sewer issues and utility constraints, reinforcing the importance of robust infrastructure planning.
Some people were encouraged that through engagement with stakeholders including local schools, Thames Water and the local GP surgery some solutions were emerging. We will provide further details on how we will respond to these concerns when we submit our planning application.
“I could support the proposals if the infrastructure is put in place first, particularly drainage, roads and school provision.”
“If homes and infrastructure are delivered together, rather than one following years later, this could be a better approach than piecemeal development.”
JANUARY 26 UPDATE – THAMES WATER PLANNED WORKS ON CURRENT NETWORK
Purpose of the works
The works are required to upgrade the existing foul water sewer infrastructure to relieve pressure on the current network. This will allow future development to connect without causing detriment to existing customers or increasing the risk of flooding or service disruption.
Timings
We are planning to start on site in the coming weeks, subject to final approvals and access arrangements. Construction of the new sewer is currently expected to be completed by May 2026.
Land requirements and notice process
The works will require access to land between the Bramley SPS, running through the fields past Centenary Fields, crossing near Folly Lane, and connecting back into the existing network on Sherfield Road. Statutory notices have already been served where required, and ongoing engagement is taking place with affected landowners through our land access consultants, Bruton Knowles, to agree access and reinstatement arrangements.
Envisaged improvements for the village
The upgrade will alleviate existing flooding and capacity issues within the Bramley area, improving the resilience and performance of the sewer network for both current and future residents.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND AMENITIES
Phase 2 feedback confirmed that local infrastructure remains a central concern. Many residents reiterated that services such as water, sewerage, drainage, health provision and education are already under pressure, and that new homes should only be supported where necessary infrastructure is planned early and reliably.
Respondents continued to share experiences of flooding, sewer issues and utility constraints, reinforcing the importance of robust infrastructure planning.
Some people were encouraged that through engagement with stakeholders including local schools, Thames Water and the local GP surgery some solutions were emerging. We will provide further details on how we will respond to these concerns when we submit our planning application.
“I could support the proposals if the infrastructure is put in place first, particularly drainage, roads and school provision.”
“If homes and infrastructure are delivered together, rather than one following years later, this could be a better approach than piecemeal development.”
JANUARY 26 UPDATE – THAMES WATER PLANNED WORKS ON CURRENT NETWORK
Purpose of the works
The works are required to upgrade the existing foul water sewer infrastructure to relieve pressure on the current network. This will allow future development to connect without causing detriment to existing customers or increasing the risk of flooding or service disruption.
Timings
We are planning to start on site in the coming weeks, subject to final approvals and access arrangements. Construction of the new sewer is currently expected to be completed by May 2026.
Land requirements and notice process
The works will require access to land between the Bramley SPS, running through the fields past Centenary Fields, crossing near Folly Lane, and connecting back into the existing network on Sherfield Road. Statutory notices have already been served where required, and ongoing engagement is taking place with affected landowners through our land access consultants, Bruton Knowles, to agree access and reinstatement arrangements.
Envisaged improvements for the village
The upgrade will alleviate existing flooding and capacity issues within the Bramley area, improving the resilience and performance of the sewer network for both current and future residents.
TRANSPORT AND MOVEMENT
Feedback at the drop-in events emphasised ongoing concerns about traffic congestion, road safety and the operation of the railway level crossing. Poor road and pavement conditions, limited safe walking routes and infrequent public transport were also raised as challenges to daily movement within and around Bramley.
Transport challenges identified in phase 2
Despite current travel patterns being car-led, many respondents expressed a desire to travel more sustainably if safer and more reliable alternatives were available.
How people travel now, and how they would like to travel
This highlights the importance of improving walking, cycling and public transport options alongside managing traffic impacts.
UPDATED HIGHWAYS REVIEW
CHARACTER AND LANDSCAPE
People again emphasised the importance of preserving Bramley’s village scale and rural character. Respondents were clear that proposals should reinforce, not erode, the existing settlement pattern and landscape setting.
There was some feedback that people understood the different approach being taken here and support for the indicative design of the new homes.
Priorities from phase 2 and how the plans are evolving
Respondents were asked to indicate how important a range of potential facilities and infrastructure elements are to them.
Phase 2 priorities
These priorities demonstrate a strong focus on infrastructure, access, everyday services and environmental protection.
How the plans are evolving in response
INFRASTRUCTURE AND ACCESS FIRST
The importance placed on improved health services, school provision and access across the railway has reinforced an infrastructure-led approach. Detailed discussions with statutory bodies and ongoing technical assessments are ensuring infrastructure requirements are planned alongside development.
EVERYDAY AMENITIES AND COMMUNITY FOCUS
Strong support for local amenities has strengthened the focus on a local centre and community hub designed to support daily needs and reduce reliance on travel outside the village.
LANDSCAPE AND WILDLIFE
The priority given to habitats for wildlife has reinforced a landscape-led masterplan approach, including retained hedgerows, green corridors, biodiversity enhancements and long-term management integrated into the evolving proposals.
Next steps
Feedback from the November 2025 drop-in events has directly informed the refinement of the proposals and will continue to do so.
Engagement remains ongoing as the plans are developed further ahead of any planning application. Updates will continue to be shared with parish councils and on this website.
