To receive an update on the progression of the Borough Local Plan.

Ian Motuel, Planning Policy Manager, explained that the Borough Local Plan (BLP) was part of the wider regeneration which was taking place in Maidenhead. There had been a hearing on the BLP late last year, following which the inspector published their post hearing advice note. This contained the modifications which were needed to the BLP. The main modifications were incorporated into the plan, with a recent consultation on the changes from July to September which lasted around 7 weeks. Officers were currently reviewing the responses received in the consultation and these would be passed on to the inspector. Around 100 responses had been received from around 300 individuals. The inspector would review the responses and then determine if any further changes to the BLP were needed before the final report was published. Ian Motuel was confident that the inspector would find that the BLP was sound, with the plan for the BLP to be taken to Full Council by the end of the year with the recommendation that the BLP was adopted.

Councillor McWilliams said that the BLP set out clear housing targets. He asked what it would mean for housing delivery targets.

Ian Motuel said that once the BLP was adopted, there was expected to be a rapid increase in the delivery of housing across the borough. There was currently a big need for family housing.

Councillor Stimson asked how quickly the sustainability SPDs (Supplementary Planning Documents) could be in place.

Ian Motuel explained that the interim sustainability statement was in place but more was needed. The council wanted to see more sustainable development coming forward.

Councillor Davey said that one SPD which kept getting pushed back was parking and it had last been reviewed in 2004. The inspector would like to see more solid figures in the BLP and Councillor Davey asked if the council was progressing the parking SPD.

Ian Motuel said that he was not involved with the parking SPD but work was ongoing and was progressing. It was hoped that this would be available soon.

The Chairman asked for clarification on if the inspector was expecting to see a new policy on parking.

Ian Motuel confirmed that they were not, but some changes had been made by the inspector to the policy on parking.

Doug Watts commented on a number of offices around Maidenhead being turned into flats. He asked if the figure which had been reported on which the golf course would relinquish the land was correct. Doug Watts asked for confirmation that any development would not affect the woods and wildlife already at the site.

Ian Motuel said that he was not involved and could not comment on the negotiations that the council had had with the golf club. The inspector had not raised any concerns on this allocation and the area contained a number of requirements for biodiversity and open space so there were safeguards in place. With regard to the loss of offices, the government had introduced permitted development initiatives that allowed changes of use.

Councillor Stimson said that the old ‘Three’ building was going through a sustainable redevelopment and would remain as offices.

Ian Motuel said that there was a site in the BLP, at St Marys Walk, Maidenhead, which was intended to be residential but had been changed to offices at the request of the promoter.

Councillor Singh said that there were lots of objections to more flats being built in Maidenhead town centre. He asked what impact the BLP would have on the St Clouds Way development.

Ian Motuel said that the planning decision would be based on the development plan at the time. If the BLP was adopted prior to the decision, it would have full weight.