Decision on 434 homes on Magnet site

TOWN CENTRE: Controversial plans to build hundreds of new flats on the site of the former Magnet Leisure Centre were set to go before a planning committee last night (Wednesday).

Developer Countryside wanted to construct five buildings – containing more than 434 homes – at the location of the old centre in Saint-Cloud Way.

Councillors convened at Maidenhead Town Hall to discuss the plans, with officers recommending that they authorise the head of planning to approve the proposals, with conditions attached.

The plans in Holmanleaze have not been short on controversy, with a petition against them launched in the spring, while emergency services and other organisations have raised fears over parking and anti-social behaviour.

In their report before councillors this week, officers say: “The proposal represents a substantial benefit in terms of the provision of housing (including affordable housing) in line with the Emerging Borough Local Plan allocation.”

The plans themselves were amended slightly in October – and now include 434 homes (instead of 439), with 87 affordable (down from 130). There will be 38 per cent social rented and 62 per cent shared ownership properties.

At a disability and inclusion forum on Monday, Ian Brazier-Dubber, managing director of RBWM Property Company, said that if approved, work on the former Magnet site will start in the spring, lasting three years.