RESIDENTS fear plans to redevelop a car dealership ‘at the heart of Sunninghill Village’ will create a “hideous” overdevelopment of the site.

Applicant known as Mr G Woodward has submitted plans to demolish the “unsightly” RSG Motor Group Halfpennys Garage in Kings Road to build a three-storey block holding 14 apartments, which have a mix of one, two, and three-bedrooms, ground floor food retail unit, and 23 car parking spaces for residential and 11 bays for the retail.

Within the design and access statement, it states this will create environmental – as it proposes a biodiversity net gain - economic, and social benefits to the village while providing quality homes and employment opportunities.

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Originally, the developer wanted 16 flats, but the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council were concerned the plans were too big for the site and could overlook neighbouring properties.

The plans have since been amended but not without an avalanche of objections from residents, campaign groups, and Ascot and Sunninghill parish council.

Objectors fear this still represents an overdevelopment of the site, it does not fit in with the ‘Victorian’ setting, the food retail unit is ‘not necessary’ for the village as two supermarkets already exist, and the plans could “severely damage” the historic Cordes Hall, which was built in 1902, because of the design’s “sheer” scale, mass, and style.

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One resident wrote: “I can see no justification for this proposal which will add considerably to the problems in the village. I accept that housing has to be provided around the country, but I think Sunninghill has already done its bit over the years and there is no room for more.”

Another said the plans were a “hideous overbearing development” whereas another wrote the proposed shop would “negatively impact” the village and bring “hardship” to the existing businesses.

Others complained no affordable housing is proposed and the car parking is 15 bays short of the council’s parking strategy for a location “poorly serviced” by public transport and could add pressure to “gridlocked” traffic.

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But the developer said it is “unviable” to provide affordable housing and the parking is “sufficient” and won’t lead to overspill onto the road network as the site is located a short distance from local shops and public transport links.

Planning officers are yet to decide whether or not to grant planning permission.