A key junction on the Wokingham–Bracknell boundary is primed for conversion into a roundabout, with Bracknell Forest Council due to consider a legal step today that would allow Wokingham Borough Council to carry out the approved works on Bracknell land.
The meeting will consider a partial surrender of land at the point where Peacock Lane meets Old Wokingham Road and Waterloo Road, a location that sits at the confluence of both authorities’ boundaries. Planning permission for the roundabout has already been secured under application 24/00802/FUL, approved in February 2026 by Bracknell Forest.
Why this junction matters
The junction forms an east–west link from Jennett’s Park towards Wokingham and lies just to the east of the emerging South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR), which will run from the Eastern Gateway roundabout to the Tesco superstore in Wokingham. South of the town, construction is advancing on around 2,500 new homes, intensifying pressure on surrounding roads. Nearby destinations include Easthampstead Park Hotel and the Oakwood Climbing Centre, adding to the mix of local traffic.
Peacock Lane currently bends into Old Wokingham Road at the point where Waterloo Road joins, creating a complex movement for drivers and more limited crossing opportunities for those on foot or bike. The agreed scheme replaces this with a new roundabout intended to improve safety and flow for all users, including public transport.
“Peacock Lane is an important local connection between Bracknell Forest and Wokingham, and the junction with Old Wokingham Road and Waterloo Road needs to function safely and effectively as planned development comes forward,” said Cllr Guy Gillbe, Bracknell Forest’s cabinet member for planning, transport and countryside. “The improvements considered form part of the wider transport infrastructure required to support that growth and to provide better movement for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.”
Decision on delivery, not design
Today’s cabinet item concerns governance rather than engineering detail. Bracknell Forest’s Labour-led cabinet is being asked to approve the land arrangement so that Wokingham Borough Council can deliver the already permitted scheme on the Bracknell side of the boundary. Officers have set out that the move is necessary to align legal responsibilities where a cross-border highway improvement spans two authorities’ estates.
According to the report’s introduction, the change is framed as part of a wider package supporting growth in south Wokingham and the Jennett’s Park area. Cllr Gillbe has underscored that the planning permission is in place and that the cabinet decision is specifically about enabling works to proceed seamlessly across the border.
Local impact and what to expect
- Safety and flow: A roundabout is expected to reduce conflict points at the current bend and junction, with potential benefits for turning movements and bus reliability.
- Support for new housing: The scheme is designed to complement the ~2,500 homes being delivered to the south of Wokingham and the strategic function of the SWDR.
- Cross-boundary coordination: Residents should see a single, coordinated delivery despite the administrative line running through the site.
While the timing and phasing of construction are not detailed in the cabinet paper, works of this nature typically require traffic management and may involve temporary lane restrictions. Drivers using Peacock Lane, Old Wokingham Road and Waterloo Road, especially at peak times, should look for formal updates once the legal step is confirmed and a delivery schedule is published by the councils.
At-a-glance: the junction upgrade
| Location | Peacock Lane / Old Wokingham Road / Waterloo Road (Bracknell–Wokingham boundary) |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Conversion of existing junction to a roundabout |
| Planning ref | 24/00802/FUL (approved February 2026) |
| Decision today | Bracknell Forest cabinet to consider partial surrender of land to enable delivery |
| Strategic context | Supports ~2,500 new homes south of Wokingham and the South Wokingham Distributor Road |
The scheme site sits close to well-used local facilities, with the roundabout expected to rationalise turning movements to locations such as Easthampstead Park Hotel and leisure venues nearby. Delivery by Wokingham, once authorised, should mesh with the borough’s wider programme to complete the SWDR and reduce traffic pressure on central routes.
Residents and businesses on both sides of the boundary are encouraged to follow council notices for construction details and diversion routes, once issued. InfoRadar will report the outcome of today’s cabinet discussion and any timetable for the start of works when it is confirmed.
