AGREED: That the order of agenda items be altered so that item 10 was to be heard first, followed by item 7 and then item 6.

Councillors Hill & Bermange left the room before this item commenced as stated earlier in the meeting.

Cabinet considered the report titled ‘Disposal of Open Space Land, Land at Braywick Park, Maidenhead’.

The Cabinet were addressed by 2 public speakers, Andrew Hill and Stephen Bough, both who were attending virtually. Due to technical difficulties, Stephen Bough was unable to fully deliver his speech. Oran Norris-Browne, Principal Democratic Services Officer, invited Stephen to email him his speech, to read out on his behalf to the Cabinet Members. Andrew Hill then addressed the Cabinet for 3 minutes.

Councillor Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure then introduced the report to Cabinet Members by outlining the report and giving a brief history of the process since it began in 2019. 22 objections had been received to the item, which led to a statutory requirement for the Cabinet to consider these when deciding on a recommendation. He added that it was a difficult decision for Cabinet to make as there were many positives, however the objections that had been received were also very valid and needed to be taken into account.

Oran Norris-Browne, then proceeded to read out the remaining segments of Stephen Bough’s comments on his behalf due to the technical difficulties that had been experienced, upon request of the Chair.

Councillor Taylor then indicated her desire to speak virtually as a non-Cabinet Member, which the Chair allowed. As Ward Councillor she said that the area was very well used by the public, schools, youth groups and many more. She stated that the current buildings were present at the site, however they were not grouped together and therefore did not spoil the openness of the green open space. She then outlined the areas that would be lost if the open space was disposed of. Further objections had been made at consultations and that the 22 that were listed within the report, were not the only ones. She paid tribute to Maidenhead Football Club, but stated that once the open space was lost, it was an irreversible decision.

Councillor Davies, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Windsor Town Council, said that she was concerned about the large loss of open space to Maidenhead. Open green space was very important for general wellbeing, which was directly mentioned within several of the 22 objections that were received on this item.

Councillor Del Campo, Cabinet Member forAdults, Health & Housing Services, said that the annual cost was concerning as it was less than for a flat within the town centre.

Councillor Coe, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said that he had taken on board all of the information that officers had provided within the report and also the objections that had been received from residents. He was concerned about the open space loss of this land, especially if the proposed development went forward on the golf course too. He felt that the value to residents was diminished if this decision went through.

Councillor Jones, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, wished to make a point of clarification to the Cabinet that borrowing costs would be brought down. The cost-of-living crisis was very prominent and that taking away a free public open space would be a concern. 

The Chair said that he acknowledged the hard work of Maidenhead Football Club and their work in the community, however this needed to be balanced finely with the loss of open space to Maidenhead and that it was currently at a premium within the area, especially with the increase in population in recent times.

Councillor Reynolds acknowledged and welcomed the debate amongst speakers on this item. He said that it appeared that fellow Cabinet Members shared similar views on the loss of the open space to the town.

Councillor Reynolds proposed that Cabinet did not agree to the disposal of the open space. This was seconded by Councillor K. Davies.

A show of hands occurred from Cabinet Members who were in support of this.

AGREED UNANIMOSULY: That Cabinet considered the objections received in relation to the proposed disposal (by the grant of a lease) of land at Braywick Park, Maidenhead (“the Open Space”) following the statutory notification of the Council’s intention to dispose of the Open Space and having regard to the objections, confirmed that they did not agree to the disposal of the Open Space.