Residents win: Farm gate and new homes plan refused

Applause broke out in Maidenhead's Town Hall twice last night after councillors turned down two unpopular planning applications.

They said a new farm entrance gate in Ascot Road in Holyport would be a 'desecration of the countryside' and plans for six homes in Woodlands Park Road was 'overdevelopment at its worst'.

Maidenhead development control panel went against officers recommendations on both occasions to side with residents.

At the meeting the public gallery was packed out, with more than half of residents there to protest against proposals to install a new access gate to Lodge Farm in Ascot Road, Holyport.

Landowner Cliveden Properties Ltd said it would allow agricultural vehicles easier access to the northern fields.

A petition with 108 signatures was handed into the Royal Borough campaigning against the change, along with 81 written objections.

Roger Nilsson spoke on their behalf and said there were already seven gates on the farm and an eighth was unjustified'.

Councillor David Coppinger (Con, Bray) said he had lived in the area for 30 years and the farmer had always been happy to use the existing entrance.

He added: "This hedgerow is superb and to remove even part of it would be a desecration of the countryside."

Panel members voted unanimously to reject the plans.

They also threw out an application by Elite Homes Ltd. to build six semi-detached houses on land to the rear of 4,5 and 6, Woodlands Park Road.

Councillor Andrew Jenner (Con, Riverside) said: "This is overdevelopment at it's worst."

Members agreed the scale of the development would be harmful to the area and would be overbearing on existing residents.

They rejected it unanimously.

Panel members also:

• Gave permission for an empty office in Belmont Road to be knocked down to make way for 14 homes, provided an agreement is made on developer contributions.

• Approved plans for a storage barn at Stubbings House.

• Refused plans to change Belmont Farm House and two barns in Holyport into eight flats and two detached houses.

• Granted permission for John Horwood to increase vehicle movements from his  site in Kimbers Lane, Maidenhead from 40 to 80 over a four week period.