Ascot could see new flats and store built

This is just one of the many applications submitted to the local authorities in Slough, Windsor, and Maidenhead in the past seven days.

To view more details for each application, go to the respective council’s planning portal with the reference number attached.

An appeal to overturn a decision to extend building for flats rejected at 253-257 Farnham Road, Slough (P/00226/045).

Drawing of the rejected extension

Hillstone Properties Ltd wanted to change the ground floor of the building from a nursery to provide three self-contained apartments and erect a two-storey roof extension to provide an additional 11 apartments.

But planning officers at Slough Borough Council rejected the plans believing it will negatively impact the area’s character and the loss of privacy to neighbouring properties.

The developer went to appeal to try and overturn the decision, but this was dismissed by planning inspector Martin Chandler.

He said: “It would create a building that would dwarf the adjacent dwelling, thereby being unacceptably dominant and imposing within the immediate streetscape.”

He also agreed the building will overlook adjacent properties, impacting neighbour’s privacy.

Plans to build a new shop and 14 flats submitted at Kings Road, Sunninghill, Ascot (22/01431/FULL).

CGI of the proposed flats and ground-floor shop

A developer wants to demolish the RSG Motor Group, which sold used cars, in order to build one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in the heart of Sunningdale village.

A ground-floor retail shop is also proposed. The flats are also proposed to have private balconies.

The scheme does not offer any affordable housing as it is ‘not viable’ to do so despite the council’s 30 per cent policy where some affordable housing must be proposed for applications that propose over 10 homes or flats.

The scheme offers a total of 23 car parking spaces for the flats. A further 11 car parking spaces are earmarked for the proposed store.

The developer originally wanted to build a further 14 flats, but planning officers took concerns over its size and bulkiness. As a result, the number of apartments has been cut in half.

Planning officers are yet to decide on the application.

Plans to build six new homes rejected at land to the rear of 49 to 53 and 47 Courthouse Road, Maidenhead (22/00361/FULL).

READ MORE: Windsor & Maidenhead farmers felt council plan 'slagged them off'

A developer wanted to build six detached and semi-detached two-storey houses but planning officers decided to block the scheme.

The plans involved demolishing 47 Courthouse Road, which would have been replaced by a single-detached home, known as plot six. A total of 13 car parking spaces were proposed and each house would have had a private garden.

Objectors were concerned the ‘over ambitious’ plans would result in overdevelopment and a cramped site. They also think it will result in an unacceptable increase in traffic and the homes will overshadow and intrude into neighbouring properties.

READ MORE: Plans to build nearly 30 homes in Oakley Green submitted

Martin McNamee, chairman of the Maidenhead Civic Society’s planning group, wrote: “The attempt to squeeze in two detached and four semis is overambitious and results in overdevelopment of the site.

“The detached dwelling (Plot 6) beside the access road is acceptable but with limited amenity space.

“However, the area to the rear of the site is inadequate to accommodate a further 5 dwellings. The plots are very close together and there will be a degree of overlooking.”

Planning officers agreed with the objectors and decided to refuse the scheme.