Controversial Planning Application

A controversial planning application for flats on the site of the Bothy in St.George's Lane/Wells Lane (owned by St.George's School), adjacent to the Green Belt, is due to be considered by Royal Borugh of Windsor & Maidenhead planners at the Development Control Panel on November 25.

The application details are as follow: The Bothy, Wells Lane, Ascot
Outline application with Some Matters Reserved (Layout and Access) for the construction of four flats in a two storey block with basement car parking, following demolition of existing bungalow and two storey
building. -  see http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/pam/view.jsp?ID=09%2F02191%2FOUT . The planning application reference is 09/02191/OUT

Sunninghill and Ascot Parish Planning Committee 'strongly objected' to the application (at its November 10 meeting). They described it as 'overdevelopment'. Comments passsed to the RBWM planners say: "The proposal is for a significantly larger  development than the existing and would be much closer to the road and be very close to boundaries with neighbour, with resultant loss of amenity. Wells Lane is very narrow and the provision for twelve further vehicles is inappropriate and a danger to school pupils.
There is also a question mark over the assumption that would be no harm to Chobham Common SPA and the advice of Natural England should be sought. If  Planners are minded to approve, it should be a condition that the flats should only be used by School staff."

The applicants say that there have been extensive, pre application negotiations and that there would be little increase in accommodation, that the plan does not have adverse traffic implications, that they have carefully developed a sensitive layout/design which relates to neighbouring buildings and that the building does not conflict with planning policies ( such as the policy designed to protect Chobham Common SPA).

A significant number of residents has also objected;  campaigners and the applicant's agents will be argue the points at the Development control meeting on November 25.