THERE’S “nothing landmark” about major plans to create a “new landmark gateway” by building an eight-storey office block despite approval.

Developer Royal London Mutual Insurance Society had its hybrid scheme to demolish an office complex Statesman House in Stafferton Way given the go-ahead at a Maidenhead development management panel.

It will compromise 14,368sqm floorspace and 141 basement car parking spaces, seven of which will be disabled bays.

Speaking at the meeting on Wednesday, October 19, Matthew Bird from Royal London said this will create a “new landmark gateway” into Maidenhead, will attract £6m of investment into the town, and create 1,785 jobs.

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He said: “We know that future occupiers require high-quality grade A office space, which this development will provide in a sustainable location adjacent to a railway station.

“The proposed increase in office floorspace will mean workers will spend money in the local area, benefiting shops and other businesses and supporting the town centre in difficult economic times.”

The other part of the plans was outline planning permission to demolish office block Braywick Gate in Braywick Road to build a seven-storey office building and a nine-storey apartment block holding up to 125 flats – 30 per cent of which would be affordable homes.

This part of the application is seeking full consent from councillors, meaning if approved, development can go-ahead subject to conditions being met first.

Slough Observer:

The reason why this is outlined is that Braywick Gate is partly occupied and vacant possession of it won’t be achievable until 2026. A full planning application to develop this part of the site will come forward in about five years.

However, Cllr Joshua Reynolds (Lib Dem: Furze Platt) said there was “nothing landmark” about the buildings at all.

He said: “Who would want to live opposite the Stafferton Way car park and electricity sub-station? Let’s face it, no one really would.

“Who wants to come into Maidenhead through Braywick to this gateway office site and it be yet another big, dull, grey building slapped in the centre of Maidenhead with no thought for heritage in Maidenhead and no thought for our town?

Slough Observer:

“You could be anywhere across the country, and you come and that’s what it is. That’s not what we want for our town surely?”

A majority of councillors approved the hybrid scheme. However, they requested that a future application for Braywick Gate comes back to the development management panel for debate and determination by members.

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The hybrid scheme has been delegated to the head of planning for approval subject to the developer signing off on its required financial contributions to affordable housing and infrastructure.

Cllr Reynolds was against approval and Cllr Leo Walters (Con: Bray) abstained.