A PENSIONER denies a housing plan is a “get rich quick scheme” but insists “tragic” circumstances lead to the need to demolish the family home.
Maidenhead councillors sitting on the development management panel rebelled against officer recommendations and refused a scheme to build three chalet bungalows compromising one two-bed and two three-bedrooms.
This would require the demolition of the Briar Cottage and Holmwood in Briar Glen, Cookham. The plans also include off-street car parking and new landscaping.
Objectors and councillors felt the homes were “squeezed” into the site which would represent an overdevelopment of the site and impact the semi-rural character of the area.
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The concerns were so great that Cookham councillors Gerry Clark (Con) and Mandy Brar (Lib Dem) called in the application for it to be determined by members.
Pensioner and homeowner of Briar Cottage and Holmwood, Graham Cross, who has lived there since childhood, said he and his wife is needing to move out of the property to a more appropriate accommodation due to ill health.
They have been trying to move since 2018 but asbestos was found within the property, making it unsellable. He said this is not a “get rich quick scheme” as permission is needed to move on with their lives.
Speaking at the meeting on Wednesday, October 19, he said: “I find it staggering that some of our neighbours would rather see this further dilapidation of properties with hazardous materials as opposed to the construction of two and three-bedroom chalet bungalows designed and built to the highest standards of sustainability fit for the 21st century.”
Councillors were sympathetic to Mr Cross’s predicament but ultimately agreed with objectors that this does represent an overdevelopment of the site.
Cllr Clark said: “I am very concerned of urbanisation creeping into the area and across the whole of the Cookhams.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Leo Walters (Con: Bray) said he felt “heartfelt sadness” for Mr Cross’s “tragic” predicament, adding that he cannot vote to turn the application down.
Planning officers reminded members that personal circumstances are not material considerations and can only approve or refuse applications using planning policies.
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Cllr Joshua Reynolds (Lib Dem: Furze Platt) said the plans do represent an overdevelopment of the site and successfully put forward a motion to refuse the plans, which was seconded by Cllr Clark.
Cllrs Walters and David Coppinger (Con: Bray) abstained and the chairman, Cllr Maureen Hunt (Con: Hurley & Walthams) voted against refusal.
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