A CONTROVERSIAL 80-homes scheme near Maidenhead town centre moves closer to fruition despite planning officers’ advocating refusal and the threat of government action.

Conservative councillors on the Maidenhead development management panel approved to defer and delegate developer CALA homes’ application to the head of planning subject to conditions.

The plans, which have been submitted three times, involve building a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terrace houses, as well as 32 flats comprising 16 two-beds and 16 one-bedrooms on land to the south of 18 to 20 and open space to the south of Ray Mill Road East.

Just under 50 per cent of the homes will be affordable and the developers have pledged to “enhance” the open space at the site.

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However, this has not been committed to writing in securing this, which prompted Royal Borough planning officers to recommend refusal.

As parts of the site sit in a ‘greater annual probability’ of flooding, the Environment Agency also objected over safety concerns.

Speaking on behalf of objectors at the meeting on Wednesday, November 17, Debbie McCullen said the flood risk is “dangerous” and will pose a “risk of life” to future occupiers.

She said: “If the development is recommended for approval, we can only assume it’s because our lives as residents have become second grade to the financial benefits of pushing this application through.”

Site layout

Site layout

She also said she and Ray Mill Road East residents will lobby the Environment Agency to refer it to the Secretary of State to decide whether or not to overturn the approval decision.

But John Richardson from CALA Homes said this application will deliver an “unparalleled opportunity” to deliver much-needed new housing, 47.5 per cent affordable housing, and enhancements to open space.

He also said the flooding risk is based on the “worst scenarios” in the event of climate change and assured members the dwellings will all be “100 per cent safe and dry at all times.” He also committed to signing the legal agreements to secure the affordable homes subject to the panel approving the scheme.

Despite concerns raised, Conservative councillors believed the affordable housing and family homes side of the plans outweighed this.

Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Ross McWilliams (Con: Cox Green) moved to go against officer recommendations as he believed the affordable housing will reduce their housing waiting list, which he said was “full”.

The opposing Liberal Democrats and Independent attempted to move a motion for refusal due to flooding fears and in line with officer recommendations – but was defeated.

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Cllr John Baldwin (Lib Dem: Belmont) was concerned that there was a potential conflict of interest with Cllr McWilliams as he didn’t declare he works at BECG, who do public relations on behalf of CALA Homes, at the meeting which could have prohibited from voting.

But monitoring officer Emma Duncan said it was up to Cllr McWilliams to determine if he has a prejudicial or pecuniary interest in the application.

Cllr McWilliams said he has previously requested advice on the issue with his employer and the clients that he works with and was “happy” to share his contract with the monitoring officer to address the issue.

Despite this, the vote was split to defer and delegate the plans to the planning officer with the chairman, Cllr Phil Haseler (Con: Cox Green), having the deciding vote.

The plans are subject to subject to the referral to the Secretary of State if one is made and completion of legal agreements.