No 95 November 2021

HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT

We continue to hold our monthly meeting by Zoom which has worked well.

Quarterly Meeting with RBWM Officers
We are working on getting these meetings back in the diary. There will be an initial Teams meeting on 5th November to discuss the reasons why The Society is looking to reinstate them. 

Windsor Guildhall
We have requested to see a Condition Survey of the Grade 1 Listed Guildhall, that we had been told had been completed at the time of our last meeting, as we continue to have concerns regarding the condition of the building. We will be looking at setting a date for a follow up meeting with Cllr Johnson and other RBWM Officers.

We still have not seen the suggested guide for new business tenants as to any permissions needed for works to buildings within the Conservation Area. This would include a palette of suitable colours of paint, types of signage etc that is acceptable. A member of The Platinum Jubilee group is undertaking a draft W&ES guide in conjunction with the Platinum Facelift project.

The Non Designated Heritage Asset Document.
The Non Designated Heritage Asset (NDHA) Document developed by The Society is part of the final Windsor Neighbourhood Plan documentation and has now been updated to include additional locations.

Platinum Jubilee Facelift.
Plans are underway on a list of projects for the Platinum Jubilee Facelift of Windsor. The first event has been the working party planting bulbs and clearing/pruning the shrubs in the Heritage Garden on 6th November 2021. Further information can be found on The Society’s website and will continue to be updated regularly

Planning Applications

Letters written after the November 2021 Meeting
43 Alma Road, Windsor – Subdivision of the existing dwelling to create 2 semi-detached dwellings, including the enlargement of the rear basement light-well, two storey side extension, two storey rear extension, single storey side/rear infill extension, increase in height to the side boundary wall with addition of a privacy screen, raising of part of the existing roof, alterations to fenestration and widening of the existing access to include turntable and new drop kerb following demolition of the existing part single storey part two and three storey rear element (PA 21/02886)
We have objected as this planning application is over-development of the plot.

Letters written after the October 2021 Meeting
7 Reed Way, Windsor – Variation of Condition to convert garage to accommodation (PA 21/02468) 
As there appeared to be no compelling reason to change the conditions it was agreed to write and object as a matter of principle. 
Permitted

60 Smiths Lane, Windsor – New two bedroom dwelling with associated parking, new drop kerb and demolition of existing single storey elements to 60 Smiths Lane (PA  21/02547) 
Due to it being built right up to the road it was considered detrimental to the area. 

Land at 6 Ash Lane and 6 Ash Lane, Windsor – Garage conversion to 6 Ash Lane, part single, part two storey wrap around extension, new shared access, extension of the existing access and addition of a parking space to create 1 dwelling (PA 21/02614) 
Plans inspected and objected as the building protrudes out beyond boundary/design and parking is not acceptable. 

Nell Gwynn Chinese Restaurant, 6 Church Street, Windsor – Listed Building Consent and PA 21/02592 FULL – Consent to replace existing UPVC window with joinery casement window, reduce the size of dormer to side elevation, reinstate roof covering using existing removed tiles, existing dormer refinished, removal of temporary propping, 1 new conservation roof light, reposition of opening to head of stairs and internal alterations on third floor and roof. (Part-retrospective) (PA 21/02593)
Concern expressed about the deterioration of the building and the plans were discussed.  It was agreed to draft two letters expressing concerns and objecting to the application.

Letter written regarding the video screens in shop windows.
We are concerned that there are an increasing number of shops that have installed these and are asking if that is appropriate/permitted in the context of the Special Advertisement Control in Peascod Street in the Conservation Area. 

Letters written after the September 2021 Meeting

Squires Garden Centre, Maidenhead Road, Windsor – Erection 21 of 30 dwellings including the relocation of existing access along Maidenhead Road with associated parking, internal circulation, informal public open space, landscaping and related infrastructure (PA 21/02467)
Letter written objecting to the plans for the following reasons.

• Flats still very close to the corner and the 1 affordable house was tucked away.
• Whilst the number of flats is now 7 less and the building is smaller, the large roof could possibly accommodate additional flats subject to further non material alterations to the planning application but access and outdoor facilities are not adequate.
• The 2 ½ storey houses appear too big and may impinge on existing dwellings behind.
•  

Letters written after the August 2021 Meeting

Verge Opposite Windsor Gospel Hall, Ruddlesway, Windsor – Proposed 15.0m phase 8 monopole C/W wrapround cabinet at base and associated ancillary works (PA 21/02145)
Plans inspected and apart from reduction in height plans still unacceptable. 
Permitted

55 Wood Close, Windsor – Single storey front and rear extensions and alteration to fenestration (PA 21/02288) 
This development is a post war suburb. The front garden would disappear which would be detrimental to the estate and against what the Boroughwide Design Guide requires.
Refused

Updates to Planning Applications mentioned in previous newsletters.

 Letters written after the July 2021 Meeting

Alexandra Gardens, Barry Avenue, Windsor – Observation wheel and refreshment unit to be sited from 1st July to 30th September 2021 (PA 21/01599)
Letter sent as there did not appear to be enough detail of technical requirements and how long it would be on site. 
Still Pending

Letters written after the June 2021 Meeting

191 Maidenhead Road, Windsor – Construction of 1 flat with garaging underneath, 1 new cycle and bin storage following demolition of garages 10-15 (PA 21/01472/FULL)
This is a repeat of an application already refused. Previous letter updated and re-sent.  
Refused

French Connection Unit, 15 Windsor Royal Station, Jubilee Arch, Windsor – Repainting of the exterior shopfront and render with a new fire safety door to the ground floor front elevation (PA21/01442-3)
Permitted

Ruddles Pool, Maidenhead Road, Windsor 
Submitted letter re-sent to ensure Inspector has our comments  (Appeal21/60045)
Still Pending

Letters written after April 2021 meeting

Land north of Camperdown House, Alma Road, Windsor – Erection of 4 semidetached dwellings with associated parking, landscaping and vehicular access (PA 21/00686)
It was appreciated that the number of dwellings had been reduced but the design of the dwellings could be improved. Letter written objecting to the impact on the Conservation Area; loss of public car parking; the importance of keeping the vista from Vansittart Rd to Trinity Church; and the lighting/safety aspect of the pathway. 
Permitted

Letters written after February 2021 meeting

Boots,17-18 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DU – Part demolition of building with retention of reduced retail store footprint and redevelopment of the demolished section of building for new build hotel incorporating ancillary restaurant and bar, integrated service area and engineering operations to create frontage landscaping area to provide lay-by, pavement and parking space (PA 20/03514/FULL)
Letter written requesting that the front of the building is reconsidered to create a front fascia more in keeping with the Conservation area, concern about the bulk and height of the building which will affect the amenity and light of the block of flats next-door, the difficulties caused by the increased traffic congestion and parking space.
Still Pending