Planning round-up: An office building will have ‘essential’ extension added and another will be turned into flats

These are the latest planning applications for Slough Borough Council.

Approved: An ‘essential’ extension is planned for an office building to make way for more office space.

Sunbeam House is a two-storey building located within the business park in Waterside Drive, Langley.

The applicant, Sunbeam Fostering Agency, is looking to add a first-floor extension within the building’s central courtyard.

A design and access statement submitted by Arcadia Designs as part of the application said the extension would add 25sqm of office space to support the business’s ‘growth’.

Structural columns will be used at the ground floor level to support the new structure.

The design and access statement said the extension is ‘minor’ and ‘proportionate’ with the construction not affecting the outside of the building, its height or bulk.

“The extension has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing building in terms of scale, materials, and appearance, with no impact on access, landscaping, or neighbouring properties,” it added.

To view the full plans, insert P/20952/000 into slough.gov.uk

Approved: A vacant Slough office building will be converted into 28 flats despite objections.

Richbridge Property Group, the applicant, is looking to convert the vacant Coins Building, also known as Construction Industry Solutions, in St Laurence Way, into flats.

A mix of studios, one-bed and two-bed apartments is proposed.

The design and access statement said all rooms will get the recommended daylight and sunlight levels.

A total of 42 parking spaces is currently on site and will be retained for the future residents, with 28 cycle parking bays also proposed.

Planning documents said: “[The site] is in a highly sustainable location with good access to public transport, including Slough Railway Station and local bus services.

“It is assumed that the primary form of transport for the occupants will be driving, walking, cycling and the use of public transport.”

But objections were lodged against the plans, raising concerns around the increased pressure on traffic, the overdevelopment of the site and loss of privacy.

One objection said: “The residential flats will create potential for anti-social behaviour, which will in turn cause harm and distress to the more settled neighbours like ourselves.

“Such behaviour will lead to an increase in more crime, noise, litter and pollution to the immediate area.”

Another resident said the change of use of the office building would be ‘intrusive’ and ‘significantly infringe’ on the privacy of neighbours.

Planning officers said ‘it is unlikely’ the number of cars travelling to and from the building would be as high as when the building was used as an office.

The plans were ultimately approved, with a condition added to ensure cycle storage and a bin store are in place before the building is occupied.

To view the full plans, insert F/13973/001 into slough.gov.uk