Plans to demolish Slough solicitor building for 24 flats refused

Developer Silver Hey Properties Ltd had its outline application to demolish the Rai Solicitors building for a seven-storey apartment block holding eight one-beds, 14 two-beds, and two three-bedroom flats refused.

Outline planning applications means it is asking if the council agrees with development in principle before a full scheme is put forward.

The two three-bed flats are proposed as affordable housing. Only two disabled bays are included in the scheme along with 30 cycle parking spaces.

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But planning officers recommended for councillors sitting on the planning committee on July 26 to refuse the plans, citing concerns the apartment block will be too ‘dominant’ for the area, it could ‘overbear’ neighbouring properties, and will result in the loss of a 19th-century Printer’s Devil pub – which is now closed.

Officers were also concerned it could impact the neighbouring fish and chips shop Mr Cod, which is locally listed. One officer said: “Our concern is that there is no relationship between the two. The plan was amended to reduce its original scale, but we still feel that impact is too great and causes detrimental harm.”

Google Maps image of the buildings currently

The applicant’s agent, Kevin Scott, said it was “disappointing” that their plans were recommended for refusal, saying it was a “missed opportunity” to suppress development in a sustainable location.

He said: “There needs to be very clear reasons for refusal when the tilted balance for the presumption of sustainable development applies, which it does here.

“When I look through the report, I don’t see these clear reasons that would warrant the refusal.”

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He also said the developer has responded to requested changes, the heritage asset impacts are low, and, despite viability issues, they are proposing two family-size wheelchair flats as well as contributing developer funds for education and infrastructure.

Cllr Pavitar Kaur Mann (Lab: Britwell & Northborough), lead member for planning, said: “On the balance of weighing harm against the benefit, I probably would appreciate the benefit of these residential units.

“Unfortunately, I do think it’s at that point where, given its impact, size, and bulk, it’s a little bit too much in this location given its neighbouring properties.”