OUTLINE plans to transform the “shoddy” looking Poundstretcher in Maidenhead town centre into flats were backed unanimously by councillors despite neighbour concerns.

Revised plans to convert the discount store at 31-33 High Street into ten flats were approved at a Maidenhead development management panel on Wednesday, August 18.

The developers will add a second and third floor to the vacant building while the ground floor will still be used as a retail unit and no car parking is proposed.

Further details on the plans would require approval in the form of another application as this one only covers access, appearance, layout and scale at this stage.

A redesigned outline plan was approved in July 2020 for 12 flats – but the developers have made changes to the rear and eastern elevations to decrease its impact on neighbouring Jasmine Peking, which has been running for over 50 years.

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However, the owner of the Chinese restaurant, Win Man, urged panel members to reject the plans, fearing the proposed flats could overlook the apartments above the business, which is occupied by his staff, and affect their access to natural light.

But David Howells, who spoke on behalf of applicants Southern Estates, argued housing has already been established and planning officers agree with them this will not impact the character and appearance of the street scene as well as the conservation area.

Speaking in favour of the application, councillor Joshua Reynolds (Lib Dem: Furze Platt) said: “We all walk past that building quite regularly and you can see that it doesn’t appear what all the other buildings look like.

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“It looks dilapidated and a bit shoddy. I think the current approved application makes it look better.

“I don’t think there’s any changes that affect the street scene and it needs an infill which is of use and does make the site better.”