FORTY-ONE retirement homes will replace the former Thames Hospice as councillors give plans the go-ahead.

Amended plans from Beechcroft Developments Ltd were approved at a Royal Borough Development Management Panel on Wednesday, April 21, to demolish the former hospice on Hatch Lane, Windsor, in favour of new retirement homes, which will house the over 55s.

The new scheme consists of 41 apartments – 12 of which are affordable – and 49 car parking spaces.

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The building blocks consist of:

  • 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
Old plans of the retirement homes

Old plans of the retirement homes

Planners reduced the scheme from 45 flats after panel members rebelled against officer’s recommendations and refused the original plan on the grounds the designs ‘were out of keeping’ with the area’s Victorian scenery, ‘poor quality’ designs, loss of trees, and parking overspill.

The developer did go 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.

Speaking on behalf of an objector, Stephen Whale urged members to refuse this application again as it was ‘disappointing to see that ‘so little has been done’ to amend the ‘overly dominating’ designs to keep it more in keeping with the area.

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However, Christopher Thompson, who spoke on behalf of the applicant, said all the previous problems the scheme had have now been resolved by reducing the width of some of the buildings and increasing parking spaces to mitigate overspill.

He also said the affordable homes have private balconies and their room space now meet or exceed the national standard.

Councillor Geoff Hill (The Borough First: Oldfield) said: “I think the applicant has addressed the key issues on the openness of the site, the potential harm to the trees, the design, and I also note the number of dwellings has reduced by four.

“In my view, the applicant has done what they’ve been asked to do.”

Panel members unanimously approved the scheme.