Cabinet considered the report regarding the Stakeholder Masterplan Document for Land West of Windsor.

The Lead Member for Planning, Environmental Services and Maidenhead informed Cabinet that the report explained the new Borough Local Plan requirement for the preparation of Stakeholder Masterplan Documents and summarises the process and outcomes specifically in relation to the Stakeholder Masterplan Document for Land West of Windsor.   He mentioned that only the BLP could release the land from the Green Belt. Whilst Officers are recommending that the SMD for Land West of Windsor be approved for Development Management purposes, the site will remain in the Green Belt, and the principle of developing the site not established, until the BLP has been adopted by the Council.

The Lead Member emphasised that this was not a planning application and all rights for objection remained during due process.  If Cabinet approves this report further challenge remained open during the full planning process.  There were currently three site were such SMP’s were being worked upon, this was the first to reach this stage.  Whilst in Windsor it came under Bray Parish Council and planning applications would be at Maidenhead committee. 

The site would include residential units, public open space, sports facilities, a community hub and a SEN school.  He outlined the process that had been undertaken getting to this point.  Out of this process came the commitment to provide affordable housing, a multi function area of public space, new crossings over the A308, a network of footpaths and cycleway’s as well as the provision of allotments.  The benefits of the process had been accepted and if accepted by Cabinet this did not set policy in planning and the ability of challenge still remained. 

The Deputy Leader of Council informed that as Lead Member for Windsor she was pleased to see this important document that showed a process that allowed residents to have their say on the potential development of this important piece of land in Windsor. 

Cllr Hasler informed that his was an excellent paper and brought forward ideas discussed in a previous planning working group, he wished that all major application go through a similar process. 

Mr E Wilson addressed Cabinet and said that this masterplan was a critical document for all residents in Dedworth, this has helped residents understand what is happening but he had mentioned to the developers that there was still a lot of confusion what was within the plan.  Those residents without internet access had been left behind with regards to information and thus he had recommended a drop in session or newsletter.  Local ward Cllrs had also failed to provide information to residents and what they said was often conflicting with one saying there should be no housing whilst another said there would be but without car parking.  He mentioned that there was little information about the planned school and its timing, funding, partners and also that residents could not wait until 2024 for the highway improvements and suggested they be in place before houses are built.  He also mentioned that the report mentioned RM matters but did not say what this was, he thought they were reserve matters but this was not clear to residents.

The Cahirman said he agreed that there could be other forms of engagement for those who did not have access to the internet and the Lead Member informed that this was the start of the process and that the school would be developed by AFC.  There had already been 6 meetings with residents but he would follow up his engagement suggestions.

Cllr Davey mentioned that he had already suggested to the developer that they hold a meeting with residents.  He asked that for the 450 houses would they be built under a single planning application or multiple smaller applications.  The Lead Member replied that at this early stage this was not known and it would be the developers prerogative. 

Cllr C Da Costa said that this was the start of the process and ward Cllrs would be engaging with residents at the appropriate times. 

Resolved unanimously:  that Cabinet notes the report and:

i) Approves the Land West of Windsor Stakeholder Masterplan Document as an important material consideration for Development Management purposes.