Basement swimming pool plan approved despite concern over impact on traffic
COOKHAM: Homeowners have had plans approved for an underground extension featuring a gym and a swimming pool, writes Kieran Bell.
Councillors sitting on the Maidenhead Development Management Panel on Wednesday, September 15 gave the green light for the proposals in Alleyns Lane, at a property known as Half Timbers.
The application – from a Mr and Mrs Lloyd – had been called in by ward councillor Mandy Brar (Lib Dem, Bisham and Cookham) because of concerns over vehicle movements on surrounding roads.
However, planning officers recommended councillors approve the plans, subject to a series of conditions being met, including one over the movement of vehicles.
The application sought to build a single storey rear extension and a new basement containing a pool, gym and an open sunken courtyard.
Officers said that the above-ground element of the proposal ‘would be proportionate to the original dwelling’, with the majority of the development proposed below ground, which they added ‘would not materially impact the openness of the greenbelt’.
One nearby resident at Wednesday's meeting said via a speech that the application should be refused due to the impact it would have on surrounding roads.
The man, who lives in nearby Bradcutts Lane, said: “This proposal would generate much more heavy traffic. Bradcutts Lane is a very narrow single-track lane without a pavement. In a car, pedestrians must be passed slowly and carefully.
“If you are walking and a lorry comes the other way, it is a nightmare and you are in the hedge.”
Aside from Cllr Brar’s opposition to the application, most other councillors sided with officers and backed the application, with Cllr Geoffrey Hill (TBF, Oldfield) saying it was a ‘very good idea’ building underground.
On the issue of the impact on the highway network, planning officers said that one option for the removal of spoil from the site is estimated to involve ‘some 150 lorry movements at a rate of five movements per day’.
“Another option is to use smaller dumper trucks to take the spoil to a nearby farm, at a rate of around 1011 trips per day, with a larger number of trips,” they added.
“The highways officer has stated a preference for the use of the smaller trucks and has confirmed that this matter can be covered by a suitable worded planning condition.”
Within the condition, it is also stated that truck movements should avoid peak times.
In the vote, seven councillors voted in favour of approving the application, subject to conditions. Cllr Brar voted against, while Cllr Gurch Singh (Lib Dem, St Mary's) abstained.