To consider the report.

Members considered the report that set out site proposals for York Road.

The Lead Member for Economic Development and Property introduced the report and informed that the report set out detailed site proposals for York Road put forward by the development partner Countryside Properties (UK) Limited.  It was noted that the report would be going to Council.

Members were informed that there had been a well-received public consultation event held over the 19^th and 20^th January 2018 as well as consultation with stakeholders. 

The plans showed proposals for 261 new homes with 30% being affordable housing provision with the following tenure mix; 20 affordable rent, 36 shared ownership, 14 rent to buy and 8 social rent.  There would also be additional benefits of new bars and restaurants, the relocation of the Heritage Centre and the refurbishment of the Desborough Suite.  If the proposals were approved by Council and appropriate planning consent received it was anticipated that first occupancy would be in 2020.

The Lead Member for Maidenhead Regeneration and Maidenhead informed that he fully supported the proposals and that with regards to the affordable rent units it was proposed to set the rent at the Local Housing Allowance level with rent at 70% market value rather than the usual 80%.  With regards to the cultural offer this had taken into account feedback received from consultation and this included that the Desborough Suite would not be a commercial venture.

The Lead Member for Culture and Communities informed that she had been impressed by the number of residents who had attended the two day public consultation event and asked what the main feedback had been.  The Lead Member for Economic Development and Property informed that when he attended the event most of the questions he was asked related to the phased approach for the regeneration of Maidenhead and the proposed increased parking provision at the Broadway Car Park.

The Lead Member for Culture and Communities said that she fully supported the recommendations and that the cultural and heritage site proposals would be a new cultural hub for Maidenhead.

The Principal Member for Ascot Regeneration reported that he had received many positive comments at the consultation event and was pleased to see the development make use of the waterway.  It created a community space and was the first stage of the Maidenhead regeneration scheme.

The Leader of the Council informed that he attended both days of the public consultation and had answered many questions on how all the schemes would fit together.  Improved communication was helping increase awareness and engagement with the public.  He informed that this was the first of four sites being developed with Countryside Properties and that he was pleased to say that they have been excellent joint venture partners.  It was good to see the mix of affordable housing options that was building homes for our residents.   The Leader of Council also said that it was important that feedback from our residents was incorporated in the planning application.

The Principal Member for Neighbourhood Planning, Ascot and The Sunnings informed that she fully supported what has been said and that she was pleased to see the affordable housing tenure mix.

Resolved unanimously: that the Cabinet Regeneration Sub-Committee notes the report and:

      I.        Approve the emerging site proposal for York Road.

    II.        Approve the appropriation of the site in the red line plan at Appendix A1.

   III.        Delegate authority to the Executive Director and the Cabinet Members for Economic Development and Property and Maidenhead Regeneration and Maidenhead to enter into a development agreement with Countryside Properties (UK) Limited.

  IV.        Asks Council to approve these recommendations.