'Market decides' as sheltered apartment plans are approved

A new block of sheltered apartments could be built in Maidenhead town centre after outline plans were approved by Royal Borough councillors last night.

Applicant Aeos Projects LLP wants to build 56 sheltered flats for older people over six floors at 3-6 Bridge Avenue, following the demolition of four buildings on the site.

The plans were approved at a Maidenhead development control meeting despite widespread concerns about the lack of parking spaces available as part of the scheme - only 16 will be made available.

But the council supported Cllr Paul Brimacombe's (Con, Cox Green) position that the 'market decides' and anyone buying an apartment would do so knowing about the lack of spaces.

It was also agreed providing extra accommodation for older people would be a positive step for the site, which has already had outline plans for a hotel and offices approved.

Other applications considered include:

• An application to vary a condition on proposals to build a four-bedroom detached house on land a High Trees, in Altwood Close, was refused. Planning permission for the site was won on appeal but with the condition that the first floor windows on the southern elevation of the existing house were closed up.
• Plans to add an extra two floors to Butler House, in Market Street, were approved. The proposals would allow four two-bedroom apartments and two one-bedroom apartments to be added to the building.

The meeting took place at Maidenhead Town Hall.