THE WINDSOR AND ETON SOCIETY

Incorporating Windsor Heritage

NEWSLETTER No 113 May  2026

NOTE FROM MALCOLM LEACH, OUR CHAIR

So much has been happening since our last Newsletter in February that it’s difficult to know where to begin.

Our forward plan for 2026 set out a number of ambitious objectives, and I am delighted that we are already making strong progress across several areas:

Objectives for 2026 – Organisation

  • Appoint two new Executive members, including a Media and Marketing Lead
  • Initiate a social media presence and maintain regular posting
  • Reinstate quarterly meetings with RBWM
  • Strengthen links with relevant local organisations
  • Hold Executive meetings quarterly in accordance with our constitution
  • Hold our AGM

We did approach one of our members to join the Executive in a Visits Organiser role; however, the timing is unfortunately not favourable at present, and we will continue our search. In the meantime, Anne Taylor has kindly agreed to act in a caretaker capacity. If you might be interested in the role we would be delighted to meet with you and explain what would be involved.

We have also approached Lizbeth Reed, a social media strategist, to support us in establishing and maintaining a media platform aimed at broadening our reach, particularly among younger and wider audiences. Liz has presented us with some exciting ideas, and we have our first meeting scheduled for the end of May.

Our Trustees have attended recent RBWM Windsor Town Forum meetings and are contributing regularly to discussions with Officers on heritage matters. Heritage & Environment (H&E) committee members are also rebuilding relationships with Borough Officers and actively attending planning meetings.

Together with the Trustees of I Love Windsor CIC and Community Forum, we are exploring the possibility of a joint event to mark the introduction of Windsor Day on 19th July 2026 at Guildhall Island. The event would commemorate the date in 1917 when King George V changed the Royal Family name to Windsor. Plans may also include the reinstatement of the recently restored King Charles I Execution Warrant to Church Street.

Finally, our current subscription rates of £10 for single membership and £15 for joint membership have remained unchanged for over 10 years and no longer sustain the many projects, talks, and heritage activities we undertake in order to protect our historic town (see Guildhall Island Community update).

From 1st October 2026, our membership subscriptions will increase to:

  • £20 per annum single membership
  • £30 per annum joint membership (2 people living in the same household)

We believe this still represents exceptional value for everything The Society continues to achieve and support.

We are also introducing new payment options, including Direct Debit, Standing Order, and Online Banking, to make the process easier for all members – even cheques will still be gratefully received. Further details about these options will be sent to all members individually in the next few weeks.

Your thoughts and comments are always welcome. We want to know what you would like to see or hear from The Society, so please do contact us and help us continue improving our two towns.

GUILDHALL ISLAND UPDATE

The Chair’s Report in the February newsletter introduced our intention to focus on the plight of the Guildhall Island which has sadly been neglected, whilst this “jewel in our crown” should be a supreme attraction to visitors and residents alike.

We have identified waste, vermin and a run-down appearance at the heart of the problem and been instrumental in creating the Guildhall Island Community (GIC), comprising businesses and residents of the Island, supported by W&ES, to form an action group determined to resolve these important issues.

On the 1st April we organised the first meeting for the GIC, which was also attended by our Berkshire Lord Lieutenant, Mr Andrew Try; the President of our Society and Governor of Windsor Castle, Lt. Col. Phil Jones; our Windsor MP, Jack Rankin; two Borough Councillors and six Officers from RBWM, all demonstrating a shared commitment to delivering meaningful improvements.

Since this inaugural meeting we have been organising meetings with reputable vermin control and waste management companies to obtain solution reports and quotes for resolving these necessary works.

The Society will help initiate the project, but it will be led by the GIC with support from the Borough and other partners. We are working closely with Councillors and Officers of RBWM to bring about change and improvement – all of which will take time and determination.

RBWM has also agreed to provide matched funding alongside GIC businesses for the replacement of the flag bunting, which will improve the look of the area and is an encouraging step forward.

The success of this initiative will depend on the collective effort of everyone involved.

HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT

Quarterly Meeting

The next meeting with Officers from RBWM is on 13th May. We asked for an update on the items we had raised at the last meeting some of which were still unanswered. We have also listed more items to discuss with them that have come to the fore since our last meeting. The topics to be discussed include planning applications, Enforcement issues, rubbish, Alexandra Gardens and the Heritage Garden.

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. Issues that have been raised were the continued infestations of vermin in the town, rubbish and litter. There was a presentation made regarding the work being carried out on the vermin issue in parts of the town centre by the Environmental Team. The meetings are open to all residents, and the next ones are at York House at 6.30pm on 13th May and the 8th July 2026.

Alexandra Gardens

The state of the Alexandra Gardens has been a concern of the Heritage and Environment Committee for some time. We have written letters of objection to the planning applications for the Wheel and the Ice Rink over the last few years. This is because the applications do not have enough information for the protection of the trees, the protection of the views of the Castle and the reinstatement of the gardens after the events are finished. These letters have resulted in some of the rides being changed or reduced in height to protect the trees.

We have been very concerned that the gardens are never restored satisfactorily each year leading to their ongoing degradation. They grass is always being compacted by the heavy machinery which makes it even harder for the replacement turf to grow. It is not watered sufficiently which means the grass never takes.

The planning application ~ 25/01838/FULL | Construction of ice rink and attractions annually from October 2025, 2026, 2027 to January 2026, 2027 and 2028. | Alexandra Gardens Barry Avenue Windsor SL4 5JA was approved but with 14 Conditions that should have been approved before the rink could be constructed but these conditions were not met before the rink and fairground rides were installed.

25/02811/CONDIT – This application was to have the conditions approved for the ice rink but in March 2026 this application was refused.

As the ice rink and fairground rides have been permitted for the next two years subject to the conditions being met there should therefore be a new application to discharge these conditions before the next season. We will be watching to see when that appears, hopefully with all the required documents in place.

In February 2026 another application was submitted for the Observation Wheel. We wrote on this application because, just like with the ice rink application, the required documents for an application to be considered were not submitted. This application is still awaiting a decision.

The Berkshire Garden Trust also wrote on this application that:

‘In conclusion, the proposal will perpetuate a significant adverse impact on the setting of the Grade I assets at Windsor Castle and on Alexandra Gardens as an important local historical asset. The observation wheel and refreshments development is in our view contrary to NPPF 202, 207, 210, 212, 213, 215 and 216 and RBWM Policy HE2. Any public benefit to a sector of the public is outweighed by the harm to the historic assets and other matters raised in the Committee report last year and the loss of public benefit to those seeking to use Alexandra Gardens as an attractive quiet parkland and garden.’

 

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.

Planning Applications

 Letters written after the April meeting

Canbrae, 8 Bell View Close, Windsor, SL4 4EX – detached outbuilding ancillary to the main dwelling (PA 26/00586/FULL) 
Plans inspected – agreed to send standard occupancy letter.
Permitted with the condition attached that it cannot be rented as a short or long term dwelling.

The Queen Charlotte, Church Lane, Windsor, SL4 1PA –consent to display 1 externally illuminated fascia, 1 externally illuminated hanging sign, 1 internally illuminated menu box sign and 2 non-illuminated poster box signs (PA 26/00391/ADV)
New plans inspected – Agreed to resend previous letter.
Refused

131-133 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DW – outline application for access, appearance, layout and scale only to be considered at this stage with landscaping reserved, for the erection of an extension at first, second and third floor levels to provide 9 residential units with amenity space provision along with associated alterations to existing building following demolition of first floor and partial demolition of ground floor. Retention and reconfiguration of the existing commercial units at ground floor level (Class E) and provision of new shopfront. (PA 26/00611/OUT)
Plans inspected and it was agreed to object on grounds of height and parking.
Pending

16 Duncannon Crescent, Windsor, SL4 4YP – Part first floor part two storey front/side extension with relocated front door, garage conversion, single storey rear extension and alterations to fenestration. (PA 26/00769/FULL)
Plans inspected and it was agreed to write a letter to protect the tree.  
Pending

Letters written after the March meeting

Alexandra Gardens, Barry Avenue, Windsor, SL4 5JA – Observation Wheel and Refreshments Unit to be sited from 14th March 2026. Open to the public from 19th March 2026 to 6th September 2026 to then dismantle and removal from 7th September 2026. (PA 26/00395/FULL )
No mention of restoring the ground after removal. Letter written requesting the additional information that should have been submitted with the application: Biodiversity, reinstatement plan.
Pending

120 Clewer Hill Road, Windsor, SL4 4DA – conversion and enlargement of existing garage, front infill extension with new enclosed entrance, new steps, enlargement of the existing roof space with 2 front gables, 2 front dormers, 2 rear dormers, raising of the eaves and ridge, alterations to fenestration, replacement front boundary treatment, new piers, vehicle and pedestrian gates and hardstanding following the removal of the existing elements. (PA 26/00406/FULL
Permitted

6 Hylle Close Windsor SL4 5PX – 1 detached annexe ancillary to the main dwelling (PA 26/00387/FULL) 
Large single storey annex for multigenerational living on the site. Letter written asking for a condition not to let out/rent or sell this as a separate dwelling.
Refused as it was deemed too large, over development and out of keeping with the street scene

The Queen Charlotte, Church Lane, Windsor, SL4 1PA – consent to display 1 externally illuminated fascia, 1 externally illuminated hanging sign, 1 internally illuminated menu box sign and 2 non-illuminated poster box signs. (PA 26/00392/LBC) 
Refused due to the harm caused to the historical site

Wenzels The Bakers, 133 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DW – consent to display 1 internally illuminated hanging sign. (PA 26/00349/ADV)
Refused as deemed detrimental to the Conservation Area

Stormfront, 39 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DU – consent to display 1 internally illuminated fascia sign and 1 internally illuminated projecting sign. (PA 26/00298/ADV)
Refused as deemed detrimental to the Conservation Area

15 Black Horse Close, Windsor, SL4 5QP – erection of a front/side boundary fence. (Retrospective). (PA 26/00152/FULL)
2m high fence affects openness of the area, and may enclose land outside of ownership of property? Resend the letter from WNP with additional information regarding this application.
Refused due to harm to the prevailing character and openness of the area

Chutney House, 98 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DH – consent to display 1 LED trough light to illuminate the existing fascia sign. (PA 26/00026/ADV)
Letter sent Conservation Area requirements  
Refused

Abcot UK Ltd. Green Acres, Oakley Green Road, Oakley Green, Windsor, SL4 4QF – change of use of land to use as a residential caravan site comprising 4 Gypsy/Traveller pitches, each accommodating one static caravan/mobile home and one tourer. Proposed development includes laying of hardstanding, erection of 4 ancillary amenity buildings and construction of new access. (PA 26/00290/FULL)
Many objections for many reasons, especially inappropriate development in the Green Belt, harm to openness, highway issues etc . It was agreed to write a letter objecting to the application.
Refused

31 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1EA – consent to display 1 internally illuminated fascia sign and 1 externally illuminated hanging sign. (PA 26/00247/ADV)
Permitted

Updates to Planning Applications mentioned in previous newsletters

Letters written after the February 2026 meeting

The Cottage, Mill Lane, Windsor, SL4 5JQ – T1 Leyland cypress – fell, T2 Sycamore – fell, T3 4x Sycamore – fell, T4 Norway maple – fell or reduce to 6m monolith – T5 2x Tulip tree – crown reduction to a final height of 20m and spread of 12m, T6 Poplar – fell, T7 Poplar – fell, T9 Tree of Heaven – crown reduction to a final height of 17m and spread of 12m, T10 Catalpa – crown reduction to a final height of 17m and radial spread to S of 6m, T11 Lawson cypress – fell, T12 Crab apple – reduce and reshape by 1.5m to a final height of 6.5m (021/2004/TPO) (PA 26/00117/TPO)
Some trees to be felled others managed. Not a lot of information was given but photos show some obvious decay. As 9 trees are to be felled a letter was sent asking for replacement trees to be planted. 
Pending

Canbrae, 8 Bell View Close, Windsor, SL4 4EX – enlargement of the existing roofspace with 1 rear Juliet balcony, 1 additional side dormer, and a detached outbuilding ancillary to the main dwelling (PA 25/03428 Part Retrospective)
A big extension and a very large outdoor building so letter sent asking for a condition that the outdoor building cannot be used or sold as a separate dwelling.
Refused

Old Mill House, Mill Lane, Windsor, SL4 5JQ – T8 1x Lawson and 2x Leyland cypress – fell. (PA 26/00242/TCA)
Not much information is given although photo shows trees are on the river bank and not very attractive. There are more trees to remove than on the application title letter.   
Pending

Letters written after the January 2026 meeting

Coffee Gallery Windsor, 27 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DU – consent for internal and external alterations to include replacement toilet, seating, micro lift, removal of partition walls, internal and external lighting, replacement air conditioning units, alterations to external finishes and signage (PA 25/03198/LBC) and (PA 25/03197/FULL)
The plans were inspected and it was thought the paint colour was a slight improvement, but the lighting requests were not right.    
Withdrawn                                            

Letters written after the November 2025 meeting

110 Tinkers Lane, Windsor, SL4 4LP – subdivision of the existing five-bedroom dwelling to create 2 three-bedroom dwellings with a garage conversion, single storey side/rear extension, alterations to fenestration, refuse and cycle stores, associated landscaping, parking and a detached outbuilding ancillary to the main dwelling (PA 25/01771/FULL)
Concern expressed over the outbuilding in the back garden. Agreed to send single occupancy letter. 
Pending

Letters written after the September 2025 meeting

37 Kings Road, Windsor, SL4 2AD – Cherry Tree – fell to ground level and grind out stump. (PA 25/02153/TCA)
Large cherry to be felled because roots are damaging path and brick boundary walls – leave to Tree Officer but suggest replacement tree? Tree letter sent.
Pending

29 Smiths Lane, Windsor, SL4 5PE – oak tree – fell (067/2004/TPO) (PA 25/01363/TPO)
The plans were inspected and the tree report was lacking.  However it mentioned an Oak Processionary Moth Disease which should have been reported to the Forestry Commission.  It was agreed to send a letter mentioning this and asking if this Oak is felled then another be planted in its place. 
Permitted but a new tree must be planted and maintained. The permission was granted because the tree had been severely damaged by crown reduction work carried out without the required permission which could have led to a prosecution

Letters 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.
Pending

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.

 

ANNUAL DINNER 2026 – SAVE THE DATE

The Society’s Annual Dinner 2026 will be held on Saturday 5th September at The Castle Hotel, Windsor. We are fortunate to have as our Speaker and Guest of Honour the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mr Andrew Try. More information will follow as details are finalised but please put the date in your diaries and we hope to see many of you at the event.

TALKS

The zoom talk in March was given by Richard Poad on the connections with Maidenhead of various members of royalty going back to Maidenhead’s early history. This was a very interesting local subject but unfortunately not many members attended.

In April the zoom talk was given by Wing Commander Alan Clare. Alan’s subject was ‘The 60 billion dollar telescope’ – the James Webb telescope which is sending back to earth stunning photos that are leading to a re-evaluation of theories of the formation of the universe. Billions of galaxies beyond previous knowledge are being discovered and we were treated to seeing on our screens several of these pictures. This talk was recorded so those who were unable to join on the evening have had the opportunity to listen to it at their convenience through the link sent out on email.

These were the last 2 talks of the current season. We welcome the positive comments that we have received from members about our Talks Programme. The new season will begin in September.

OUTINGS

Just thirteen members visited Cumberland Lodge on the afternoon of 14th April. We had a splendid tour of the Lodge led by Chief Executive, Fergus Drake. We all enjoyed it very much indeed and, even though several of us have visited before, there were new anecdotes and facts to learn as well as reminders of facts forgotten! We appreciated Fergus’ sense of humour and we also appreciated that there were chairs on which we could sit from time to time. We then partook of a delicious tea in the main drawing room.

I hope to organise another local afternoon visit during the summer

GARDENING PROJECTS.

In February the Heritage Garden had a quick tidy up and a few spring bedding plants were put in to give a little colour after the bulbs had died down. Major work in the Heritage Garden is still on hold until a pest control plan has been carried out.

The River Street crocus again provided a bright early splash of colour in the town centre.

Some of us went up to the Charles Knight Garden on 4th March and removed the visible euphorbia. We were not sure whether this would be difficult or dangerous but in fact the plants pulled up quite easily and, as they had died down, there was very little of the toxic sap present. Three of the shrubs we planted last year have settled in well and were looking healthy. We also had time to clear a lot of sprouting brambles and have a general tidy up. Thanks to Councillors Devon Davies and Julian Tisi for also joining in.

The bulbs that The Society has planted in Bachelors Acre over the years, were also looking spectacular in March.

Later in March the Remembrance garden also had a spring clean. It is looking neat and tidy but could still do with some additional planting.

(photos courtesy of Alison Logan)

MEMBERSHIP

We are pleased to welcome 6 new members and we look forward to welcoming them to future events!

Please look out for e-mails – not just inviting you to our own activities, but also to other interesting local events.

A few years ago, I asked members to kindly provide me with their telephone numbers to speed up communication in special circumstances. This particularly applies when I hold no e-mail address. As we have an increase in subscriptions at the end September, there will be some extra administration coming up so I would be grateful if you could either e-mail or ring me with your best contact number. It will only be used if absolutely necessary. My contact details are:

Katie Broady
email: membershipsec@wesoc.org.uk   phone 07802 412044

LOCAL NEWS

Windsor Forum – The next 2 meetings scheduled on the Borough’s Calendar are Wednesday 13th May and Wednesday 8th July both at 6.30pm in the Grey Room, York House, Sheet Street, Windsor. Minutes of previous meetings, the Agenda and dates of future meetings when available, can be accessed through the RBWM website http://www.rbwm.gov.uk

 

Published by The Windsor and Eton Society www.wesoc.org.uk