Plans to build retirement homes near Maidenhead town centre submitted

Developers Lifestory Group – later living specialist housebuilders – has put forward its scheme to create 44 apartments on land between Gringer Hill and Hargrave Road.

The plans include 11 one-bed and 33 two-bedroom flats along with a communal lounge, a shared garden, a cycle and buggy store, and 32 car parking spaces – three of which will be designated accessible bays.

If approved, the occupation of the homes will be restricted to those aged over 60.

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The scheme also proses to create a new vehicular/pedestrian entrance and access into the site from the western side of Gringer Hill. A second pedestrian access from Hargrave Road will be provided but this is only intended as maintenance and emergency access.

Before the plans were submitted, Lifestory carried out a consultation with partners, the council, and with residents and councillors via one-to-one meetings and briefings.

Planning officers have not yet decided whether or not to approve the scheme

Locals took concern the block’s balconies could result in loss of privacy, parking could add more pressure on the roads, and that too many apartments are already being built in Maidenhead.

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Lifestory Group believes the scheme is in suitable distance away from the homes of about 30m and due t the ‘specialist nature’ of the scheme, they do not foresee the existing parking issues to be “exacerbated”.

They also said the plans are responding to specific needs in the Royal Borough as it will accommodate the over 60s. The developers stated: “As the area has an ageing population and given the site’s sustainable location, we considered that a later living scheme would be appropriate here.”

The plans can be viewed via the council’s planning portal using the code 21/03493/FULL.