Objections start to come in for controversial 200-home plan in Cookham

Objections are beginning to come in for a major plan for 200 homes in Cookham which will sit as ‘an extra arm’ that neighbours feel will not be in keeping with the area.

Major plans for 200 homes in Cookham were formally submitted this month after the site was allocated for development in the Borough Local Plan.

These homes are planned for land off Cannondown Road, in an open field north of Lower Mount Farm, Long Lane (also known under the site name AL37).

The site covers 8.78 hectares across two ‘parcels’ – one for 160 homes (site A, ref 23/02019/OUT)) and another for 34 (site B, 23/02022/OUT), plus six ‘self-build’ homes across the two sites.

Commenters felt the location did not suit such a ‘high density development, and cited concerns over:

• Further erosion of the green space that separates Cookham from Maidenhead
• An increase in Cookham’s population and stretches to healthcare services
• Parking issues, traffic noise and pollution on an ‘already very busy road.

Councillor Mark Howard (Lib Dem, Bisham and Cookham) said there have been ‘quite a few concerns’ from residents and Cookham Parish Council about this.

“There’s been consistent objections from the parish council dating back to about 2016 on a variety of things relating to this site specifically and the Borough Local Plan,” he said.

“There’s a certain amount of upset about building on that field from the local residents – the seconds thing is about the amount of houses, over 200.

“An obvious practical [concern] is about the entry from the site onto the main road, Switchback Road.”

There have also been concerns about sewage and drainage capacity, he added.

“There’s an ongoing issue with sewage and drainage both through Cookham itself but specifically where they’re expecting to put the connection in,” Cllr Howard said.

“There’re concerns this is almost like an extra arm sat on the side of Cookham.

“No one seems to be looking at how it links into Cookham train station, shops, into the primary schools, the secondary school.

“There’s some very basic tweaks that have been put in place but they’re like little sticking plasters that don’t solve the rest of the problem.

“That’s before you get into the detail of how the site is laid out – the mix of four-bed, three-bed, two-bed and one-bed houses.

“Realistically speaking, Cookham’s pretty much a family area. People don’t come to Cookham for its raging nightlife, they tend to be there with children.

“A lot of people have expressed concern that the ratio is not reflecting a village, it seems to be more of a model that’s been transplanted around the country regardless of where.

“It’s that kind of ‘one size fits all, we’ll do it again,’ [attitude].”

Dick Scarff of the Cookham Society echoed these concerns – especially in regard to the traffic, the single access point onto a busy road, and the impact on the character of Cookham.

He added that there has been ‘no coordination’ with Buckinghamshire plans in the pipeline and the impact of approved applications in Bourne End as well as the Marlow Film Studios proposals.

“We already know that Pound Lane and Cookham Bridge are overloaded with traffic,” he said.

“Berkshire and Buckinghamshire plans haven’t been considered together and I think it’s going to be a major problem.”

A spokesman for Bellway said: “Over the past two years, Bellway Homes has been working collaboratively with members of the local community and Cookham Parish Council to create a Stakeholder Masterplan Document (SMD).

“[It] sets out key development principles that have directly informed the design of the submitted scheme.

“This includes the provision of 40 per cent affordable homes with a range of house types, including homes for first-time buyers, those downsizing, and family homes, enabling individuals at all stages of life the opportunity to purchase a new home.

“The density of development is in accordance with the site allocation, and the proposed layout … complement[s] the local character.

“The site will be delivered in line with the [Borough] Local Plan requirements, which stipulate that sewer systems will be reinforced prior to occupation and use of the housing.

“Consultation with Thames Water confirms there is sufficient capacity within the nearby public sewer network to accept flows from the proposed development.”