Long-running scheme for six homes in Church Road taken down to five

An application is in for five new homes at Zaman House and Awan House in Church Road – following demolition of the two existing large, detached homes.

In June, planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing homes and six new ones in three semi-detached pairs.

The plans have undergone multiple iterations, with twists and turns over the site ongoing since 2020.

Now, the developer is seeking new planning permission for a revised proposal only comprising five detached homes.

“The saleability of the houses is now crucial,” said the applicants' representatives, St Edwards Design and Planning.

“Local agent advice has shown that a lower number of detached dwellings would be more marketable in this location given that the Fisheries Estate is almost entirely comprises detached dwellings.

“It is considered that five detached units is more sympathetic to the character of the Fisheries Estate and, moreover, better responds to the opinion of the local community which has consistently been for detached houses, rather than semis.”

The current site comprises 1,256sqm of hardstanding. The application proposes a total of 716sqm of hardstanding, which represents an overall reduction of more than 43 per cent.

“This is clearly a significant benefit of the scheme which enhances the appearance of the site,” wrote St Edwards Design and Planning.

No trees would need to be removed to facilitate the development and new tree planting is proposed.

Vehicular access would now only be provided via the existing access point onto Church Road, ‘which would be improved and upgraded accordingly.’

Each home would benefit from two parking bays and a garage space – a total of three spaces per unit.

The driveways and turning areas ‘would provide a good level of additional ad hoc parking for visitors.’

The proposal ‘would not lead to any material increase in traffic or road safety concerns along Bray Road or in the surrounding area,’ the applicant’s agents claim.

The surrounding part of the plot falls predominantly in Flood Zone 3 (high risk) but the main developed area of the site falls within Flood Zone 2 (medium risk).

Overall, the proposal ‘would make more efficient and effective use of this brownfield site within a highly sustainable location close to Maidenhead Town Centre.’

To see all documents on this application, enter reference 23/00814/FULL into the Borough’s planning portal.