ITEMS from Buckingham Palace could be temporary stored on a Green Belt site if plans are approved.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council received a planning application for a modular building to be erected for a period of five years to store items while reservicing works are being done at the Palace.
The proposed storage facility will be located at the Walled Garden, Frogmore, Windsor – a Green Belt site and within the 19th century walled gardens of the Grade I Royal Estate.
The development was considered ‘inappropriate’ for the site and would result in less than substantial harm to the heritage assets.
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But the report states this application has ‘special circumstances’ to justify its recommendation for approval.
The report states: “The proposed store is urgently required as the works at Buckingham Palace have commenced and there are no alternative sites or facilities that meet the specific and necessary storage requirements.”
Historic England raised concerns this modular building will have a ‘detrimental’ impact on the setting of the Royal Estate and the landscape surrounding the Royal Gardens – but recognises the justification of the site.
Alternative locations for the temporary structure were explored by the applicants – but have ‘proved unsatisfactory’ where Historic England believes this site is acceptable to cause less harm.
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Once the five-year period is over, the temporary storage facility would be removed and replaced with topsoil.
Councillors on the Royal Borough Development Management Panel will hear and vote on the proposal on July 15 (Wednesday).
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