Magnet flats approved despite displeasure

Despite widespread displeasure about the appearance of the new apartment buildings alongside the town hall, councillors last week approved more of the same, voting five to four on party lines for 434 uninspiring flats on the Magnet site.

Our council currently appears to measure success merely in numbers; housing targets must be met.

But where’s the sense of pride or place? And what about the community?

The Berkshire volume of Buildings of England notes: “Modern Maidenhead is not immediately attractive.”

With a few exceptions, like the remarkable improvements at Chapel Arches and York Stream, this is true.

But instead of trying to redress the balance and restore the town as a place to go for everyone, more than 2,000 flats have been approved already and there are more to come.

Our compact town centre is set to be dominated by uninviting edifices, some soaring to 11, 17 and even 25 floors.

It’s time to get the politics out of planning and, with community involvement, determine a holistic plan before it’s too late.

BOB DULSON Chairman, Maidenhead Civic Society