Theresa May responds to decision to defer Kings Triangle plans

Maidenhead MP Theresa May has called for a quick decision to be made on the £152million Kings Triangle town centre development.

The Royal Borough development control panel chose to defer a decision on Wednesday, meaning the process will be delayed by around two months to give developer ING Red UK (Maidenhead) chance to work on flaws identified in the plans.

The Home Secretary had previously backed the scheme, which would bring new shops, homes and offices to Maidenhead town centre.

Speaking after the decision to delay plans, Mrs May said: "The Kings Triangle site is a crucial one for Maidenhead town centre and I am concerned that a long delay will threaten much-needed investment in the town centre.

"The developers must now look at the concerns that led to the application not being approved at this time, and I hope that they can work with the Royal Borough to find solutions so that things can move forward in the New Year."

Concerns with the plans have included a lack of adequate parking and the impact they could have on the High Street.

Advertiser readers have been commenting on the decision.

GM said council planners had made the right choice: "The current design has so many flaws that it would be wrong to even grant outline permission...even the basic outline details are flawed so fixing them would amount to a near total redesign anyway."

George disagreed: "Extremely disappointed to see the application deferred. This development could be a major catalyst for further improvements to Maidenhead in a personal and commercial sense."

What do you think? Join the debate here.