Badnells Pit housing plans thrown out

Controversial plans for Badnells Pit were unanimously rejected by councillors last night at Maidenhead Town Hall.

During the two hour meeting members of the Maidenhead Development Control Panel listened to vehement attacks against the proposals for a massive new housing estate on the Blackamoor Lane site by Michael Shanly Homes.
The company's plan to transform the site and build 448 homes was labelled a 'gross overdevelopement' of an area which is the 'jewel of Maidenhead'.

Maidenhead MP Theresa May spoke out and four residents spoke on behalf of the community, including a representative from the Riverside Action Group. Ward councillor Simon Dudley (Con, Maidenhead Riverside) waved his right to vote so he could speak out against the proposals.

Representatives from Michael Shanly Homes and the architects PRP said they had taken every care to ensure the design was in-line with policies and 21st century standards.
However members of the panel disagreed, listing nine policy reasons to refuse the plans, including highways issues, overdevelopment and lack of provision of affordable housing.