No 109 May 2025

HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT

Quarterly Meeting

The Quarterly Meeting with officers from RBWM in March took place via ‘Teams’. We asked for an update on the items we had raised at the last meeting, some of which were still unanswered. Our next meeting is set for June where we will again raise the issues that concern us along with trying to get a full conservation survey instigated on The Guildhall. This building is important to the heritage of the town and at present does not appear to have a conservation or maintenance plan to ensure its upkeep is scheduled. There have been planning applications recently for Listed Building Consent to carry out decoration and refurbishment works which we have supported. There has also been work on the heating in the building including the installation of an air source heat pump.

Windsor Town Team

The Town Team has begun to work around the town. The first session was on the Windsor Bridge area where a number of volunteers worked on the garden, which was weeded, and second group worked on the overgrown shrubbery next to the steps, which was cut down. The second session was at the Pirate Park in Dedworth and the third was in Bachelors Acre These two events were mainly about litter picking. Information about the next planned events can be found on the Meetup App/ website when dates have been arranged.

Windsor Forum

We continue to attend the Windsor Forum to ensure that we are aware of things that people are interested in around the town and to raise issues that affect the residents of the town. It is open to all residents so do feel free to come along to York House to hear what is happening and to have your say. Details of future meetings are in the Local News section of this newsletter

Committee Meetings

The Heritage and Environment Committee continue to note and respond to matters that are important to maintain the historic buildings in the Conservation Areas of the town. We also try to ensure that all planning applications are scrutinised and commented on as and when necessary. We hope the Windsor Yards Development will finally get underway now RBWM have sold the Freehold of the site to the Leaseholder. There have been far fewer applications submitted to the Borough over the last few months and therefore fewer to discuss.

Planning Applications

 Letters written after the April meeting

1. Alexandra Gardens, Barry Avenue, Windsor, SL4 5JA – construction of an ice rink and attractions from November 2025 to January 2026 (PA 25/00537/FULL)
   The plans were inspected and concerns raised over the lack of plans for protecting tree roots as rides were to be placed on top of some. The enhancement of biodiversity was just lip-service as they were destroyed each year. It was agreed to write and include photos in order to protect the trees. 
   Pending

2. Willows, St Leonards Hill, Windsor, SL4 4AJ – (T1), (T2) and (T7) Cherry Trees – Fell. (T3) and (T4) Goat Willows – Fell. (T5) Conifer trees – Fell. (T6) Oak trees – Fell. (001/1966/TPO) (PA 25/00480/TPO)
   The plans were inspected and it appeared that 7 trees were being removed and it was thought at least 2 new ones could be planted.

3. 16 The Willows, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5TP – Certificate of Lawfulness to determine whether the proposed single storey rear extension with 4 rooflights is lawful (PA 25/00538/CPD)
   The plans were inspected and it was agreed that a letter would be sent seeking a better design for the roof so that would not affect the look of the NDHA.
   Permitted

Letters written after the March meeting

4. 21 Edinburgh Gardens, Windsor, SL4 2AN – works to trees In Conservation Area T1 Hawthorn – fell. T2 – Sycamore – fell. (PA 25/00241)
   It was agreed to send the replacement tree letter.
   Permitted

Updates to Planning Applications mentioned in previous newsletters

Letters written after the February meeting

5. Wolf Lane Play Area, Wolf Lane, Windsor, SL4 4YZ – 2 new dwellings, bike, tool, bin and green waste stores and new boundary treatment (PA 24/03155/FULL)
   Plans were inspected and it was agreed that we needed to object to this planning application on numerous grounds – loss of public amenity space, design, lack of private amenity space and access. 
   Withdrawn

6. Alexandra Gardens, Barry Avenue, Windsor, SL4 5JA – Observation Wheel and Refreshment Unit to be sited from March 29th 2025 to September 12th 2025. Open to the public from April 5th 2025 to September 7th 2025. (PA 25/00037/FULL)
   Whilst happy with the Observation Wheel etc. the condition of Alexandra Gardens was of great concern, and it was agreed to write a letter seeking improvements to the gardens as a whole.
   Permitted

7. The Hollies, 3 Fairlawn Park, Windsor, SL4 4HL – (T1) silver birch – fell (004/1962/TPO) (PA 25/00068/TOP)
   It was agreed to send the usual tree replacement letter.
   Pending

8. 138 Clewer Hill Road, Windsor, SL4 4DB – Single storey side/front extension, single storey rear extension, part replacement roof including part raising of the ridge, 2 front dormers and 1 rear dormer to accommodate a loft conversion, replacement outbuilding ancillary to the main dwelling and alterations to fenestration following demolition of existing elements (PA 25/00181/FULL)
   Whilst it was considered a very large extension it was felt to be OK, but the outbuilding needed a single occupancy letter sent. 
   Refused

Letters written after the January 2025 meeting 

9. Dedworth Clinic, 97A Smiths Lane, Windsor, SL4 5PE – 2 x three bedroom semi-detached dwellings and 1 detached dwelling, solar panels to roofs, 3 drop kerbs and associated parking and landscaping, following the demolition of the existing building and drop kerb (PA 24/02986/FULL)
   The plans and the parking provision were discussed. Highways had requested more information. It was agreed that the PD be removed.
   Refused

10. Guildhall, High Street, Windsor, SL4 1LR – consent for external redecoration and repair works to the existing building (PA 24/02544/LBC)
    The plans were inspected and once it was established that the windows would be refurbished before redecorating then all were pleased that works might actually take place soon – HEC asked for these works to be carried out 5 years ago and also required a maintenance schedule for this Grade I listed building. It was agreed to send a letter saying how pleased we were that these works were being carried out and hoped that they would be undertaken asap.
    Permitted

Letters written after the August meeting

131-133 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DW – outline application for access, appearance, layout and scale only to be considered at this stage with all other matters to be reserved for the redevelopment of the site to retain the 2 existing commercial units, and to provide an additional 3 commercial units (Class E) and 21 serviced apartments (Class C1) (PA 24/01728/OUT)
This is not a full application yet, but it was decided to send a letter requesting care be taken to protect the cobbled roadway during and after the construction.
Pending

Windsor Business Quarter, 67 Alma Road, Windsor– demolition and redevelopment of the site comprising the erection of new buildings to provide 118 units of extra care housing (Class C2) and 197 residential dwellings (Class C3) along with new basement to provide car parking, plant and associated ancillary accommodation, new public realm works, provision of amenity space and other works associated and ancillary to the proposed development (PA  24/01594/FULL)  
A letter will be sent regarding concerns about parking.
 Approved 

Letters written after the July meeting

1 Dower Park, Windsor, SL4 4BQ – two storey side/rear extension, single storey front/side extension, alterations to fenestration and external finish (PA 24/01341/FULL)
Plans inspected and agreed this is an overdevelopment of the site, out of keeping with other properties in the area, and with potential damage to an ancient oak tree.
Refused but has now gone to Appeal  

 Letters written after the June meeting

11 High Street, Windsor – consent for internal alterations to the first and second floor to facilitate a change of use from office to residential to create 4 flats (PA 24/01231/LBC) 
Permitted

Letter written after the March 2023 meeting

Windsor Yards re-development – (PA 22/02893/FULL)
This application was discussed again in the light of the recent photographs taken, the developer’s response and additional papers submitted. It was agreed that all would view the additional papers after which a letter was sent. This went to April’s Management Panel and was permitted but the final letter is not on the website

Windsor Yards re-development – (PA 22/02893/FULL)
These plans had just been submitted but it was agreed that a response from The Society was required.  Letter sent regarding the additional two floors on the hotel. There were further changes to the plans following our letter and one storey was removed from the top of the hotel.
Pending – this was permitted at Panel but there is still no confirmation on the website as there will still be legal matters to sort.