Agenda item

P/01573/010- 230 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 4DX

For Comment and Consideration

Minutes:

The Officer advised that a planning application for major development had been submitted for 230, Bath Road, Slough, for the construction of a hotel (use class C1) with ancillary restaurant (use class A3) means of access, formation of surface car park, replacement substation, cycle parking facilities, drainage, landscaping and ancillary works.

 

The Committee was advised that the purpose of the report was to make Members aware of the application and to obtain feedback on the principle of development, but primarily to seek Members views on the design of the proposed development.  It was highlighted that Members were not required to make a decision on the application at this stage and therefore no Officer recommendation had been presented.  Members input at this early stage would be used to feed into the process of coming to a final recommendation.  The application would be reported to the Planning Committee on 31st March, 2016 for Member’s consideration. 

 

The Officer provided an outline of the application and a slide presentation.

 

Members raised a number of questions/ and individual comments which included the following:

 

·  What cladding material would be used for the exterior of the building?

The Officer advised that the building was of modular construction and the cladding was of a muted design, being a white painted textured surface.

·  What classification would the hotel be and what size would the restaurant be ?

The Officer advised that it would be a 3 star plus hotel and the restaurant would be 798 m2.

·  It was not considered that the white exterior of the building would age well and the appearance was not in keeping with its 3 star plus classification. It was felt that a darker shade would be better and that more work was needed to improve the exterior appearance of the building.

·  A concern was expressed that the building was too high and would set a precedent for future applications in the locality.

The Officer advised that the height limits were set out in the Simplified Planning Zone and this building was an exception.

·  A Member considered that whilst there was no problem with the principle of the hotel application, there was an issue with the design.  The building appeared uninspiring and needed to fit better into its surroundings.

·  It was felt that the design was heavy, oppressive and too high.

·  If this building was the ‘gateway’ it should be a lot more attractive.

 

Resolved- That Member comments be noted.

 

 

 

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