Outline plans to build 1,500 homes on Maidenhead Golf Course site

Up to 1,500 homes could be built on the Maidenhead Golf Course site after plans for the highly-controversial site were submitted to the council.

An outline application detailing proposals for the site, dubbed the Elizabeth Quarter, were submitted by applicant Cala Homes Limited on January 8.

The golf course site has proved to be the most controversial aspect of the Borough Local Plan.

The site has been earmarked for development as part of the adopted BLP, which the previous Conservative administration approved in February 2022.

In this application, fewer homes have been proposed than previously - initial proposals were for 2,000 homes on the site but this was later watered down to 1,800 ahead of a consultation in February last year.

The proposals also include a new primary school and secondary school; a local centre accommodating a community centre, food shop and doctor's surgery; and an outlet for a ‘small scale café,’ retail or other commercial use.

Developers plan to split the site into two neighbourhoods – ‘Northern Neighbourhood’ and ‘Harvest Hill Neighbourhood’ - set along a ‘green spine’.

Homes are a mixture of one-bed (15 per cent of total), two-bed (30 per cent), three-bed (35 per cent) and beds with four beds or more (20 per cent).

In addition, up to 450 (30 per cent) will be designated affordable which includes 45 per cent social housing.

A cover letter supplementing the proposals said: “The proposals submitted as part of this planning application have undergone extensive technical work and engagement with council officers, key stakeholders and members of the public.

“This has also included engagement with the new cabinet on the proposals, following the change in administration of the council in May 2023.”

The cover letter advises this application has been amended to include more than one-third open space at the site and account for restrictions in building height.

“The application submission can be considered a deliverable scheme which fulfils the policy requirements of the BLP and SPD to deliver a sustainable development which will enhance and complement Maidenhead,” the letter adds.

If the plans - which are for access only at this stage - are approved, a more detailed planning application will follow. If these are passed, the developer anticipates construction starting in 2026.

To view the plans in full, enter reference: 24/00091/OUT into the RBWM planning portal at: https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/planning-and-building-control/find-planning-application 

The Advertiser will be speaking to stakeholders and examining the plans in more detail over the coming days.