Greenbelt pledge hinders Furze Platt plans

A major obstacle was placed in the path of plans to move Furze Platt Senior School to Spencers Farm at a council meeting last night.

A motion was put forward by Royal Borough leader Cllr David Burbage (Con, Bray) which recommends the cabinet, council committees and other working groups protect the existing greenbelt in the forthcoming Borough Local Plan.

It was approved by all but two of his fellow councillors, effectively stopping the vision between the school and Summerleaze in its tracks.

Addressing the meeting at Windsor Guildhall, Cllr Burbage said: "I'm not going to willingly advocate putting concrete on countryside."

Summerleaze owner Peter Prior was present during the debate, as were members of Maidenhead North Action Group, which has been set up to oppose the plans and applauded the council's decision.

The vision included demolishing the existing school, rebuilding it on a 'community campus' at Spencers Farm along with 320 houses, and replacing the old buildings in Furze Platt Road with a further 380 houses.

The scheme is due to be considered for inclusion in the Borough Local Plan but its future now looks uncertain.