DEVELOPERS are preparing to go for round two as councillors are set to decide on fresh plans to redevelop the former Thames Hospice.

The applicants, Beechcroft Developments Ltd, hope amended plans to demolish the former hospice on Hatch Lane, Windsor, for retirement homes – which will house the over 55s – will convince members on the Royal Borough Development Management Panel to approve the scheme.

Back in August 2020, councillors rebelled against planning officers’ recommendations and refused the previous plans for 45 flats on the grounds the designs were ‘out of keeping’ with the area’s Victorian scenery and the plans were ‘poor quality’ for future residents.

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Councillors were also concerned over the loss of trees and parking overspilling into the residential area as well as the development creating a ‘dominant and cramped’ space.

Following the refusal, the developer went to appeal – but it was dismissed by the planning inspectorate in January 2021 due to the development’s effect on the character of the area and on nearby trees.

The amended scheme now has 41 flats, slashing two apartments from one block and reducing the width of the building to address the overdevelopment issue.

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Twelve affordable homes have been proposed and the site will provide 49 car parking spaces, which is an increase from the previous 44 spaces.

The new plans for the site include:

  • Three two-storey houses
  • Two two-storey semi-detached houses
  • One two-storey apartment building
  • Two 2.5-storey apartment blocks
  • One three-storey block

Councillors on the planning panel will decide the application’s fate on Wednesday, April 21.