05:05PM, Tuesday 10 February 2026
Archive Bisham Abbey image (credit: Des Blenkinsopp, Wikimedia Commons)
These are the latest planning applications for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Approved: Bisham Abbey will have ‘essential conservation’ works carried out after the Royal Borough approved plans for the listed building.
The origins of the site date back to the 13th century, with the abbey coming into public ownership since 1946.
The Grade I-listed building is now used as a national sports centre managed on behalf of Sport England, but it is also used for weddings and conferences.
Martin Ashley Architects, the applicant’s agent, said essential work needed to be carried out for the conservation of the abbey.
The work will address ‘material decay, safeguard vulnerable fabric and correct past inappropriate repairs’, a design and access statement submitted as part of the plans said.
It said: “The proposals deliver substantial heritage gains, ensuring the long-term preservation and continued safe use of Bisham Abbey while maintaining its authenticity and architectural character.”
These include repairs to the abbey’s windows and a like for like replacement where these need to be replaced, work to the chimneys, some of the roofs and masonry repairs.
The Royal Borough refused a previous application for the repairs.
At the time, council planning officers said the application required a bat survey and failed to demonstrate the proposals would not have an adverse ecological impact on protected species and biodiversity.
The resubmitted application has a bat survey as part of the plans, with no objections from ecology officers.
To view the full plans, enter 25/03209/LBC into rbwm.gov.uk to view the full plans.
Refused: The Royal Borough has turned down a set of plans to demolish an Ascot office building and replace it with 20 flats.
Ascentia House is an office building in Ascot Business Park in Lyndhurst Road, with car parking to the north of the site.
Back in 2023, a similar application was submitted to the council but was refused because of the height of the proposed replacement.
This decision was appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, however, and the prior approval application was granted.
At the time, the planning inspector said: “Despite the increase in the overall height, scale and mass when compared to the existing building, the proposed building would not be at odds with the others on the business park.”
Danny Mehta, the applicant, submitted a fresh set of plans to demolish the vacant office building and build 20 flats on the site instead.
WaM Architecture also submitted drawings as part of the application for the proposed four-storey building, with a mix of one and two bed apartments planned.
But Thames Valley Police raised concerns about the proposals not offering enough security for future residents, with ‘formal surveillance’ also needed for the car park.
Ascot and Sunninghill Parish Council raised concerns that there was ‘insufficient’ cycle storage planned and the private amenity space did not comply with the borough’s design guide.
The Royal Borough ultimately turned down the proposals because nationally described space standards would not be met.
To view the full plans, insert 25/03318/PT20ZA into rbwm.gov.uk
Pending: The Olde Bell Hotel could have ‘essential’ works done to improve fire safety.
RHB Management, the applicant, submitted an application to the council, looking to carry out fire safety works at the Olde Bell site in Hurley High Street.
The site is made up of five buildings, including the Main Inn, a Grade II-listed building, and the Bell Lodge.
The works would be carried out at The Main Inn building, which has a reception area, bar, restaurant, kitchen and hotel rooms.
A design and access statement submitted by 3Dreid as part of the application said the ceiling and exposed wooden beams in the bar area will have fire protection measures put in place.
This will improve safety for the guest rooms above the bar, but no works are proposed for the first floor or the outside of the hotel.
To view the full plans, insert 26/00282/LBC into the council’s planning website at rbwm.gov.uk
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