Minutes:
JW updated that the construction commencement of the basin regeneration will be Q4 of 2018 and contracts have now been exchanged on the Travis Perkins site. No news on any pre-app for Planning. TH stated the latest is there would now be 250 dwellings, with 1 or 2 bedroom flats of 5/6 storeys high situated very close together. The concern is that this is going to be overdeveloped, high density and therefore any public space designed into the scheme will be instantly under greater pressure for use by existing and new residents.
KW highlighted the fly tipping on either side of the Wexham Road steps access to the towpath and the bad condition of the steps. JW has a quote ready for approval to undertake this work.
Cllr Rasib questioned how a development of solely apartments could be allowed so far away from the Town Centre. Apartment only developments satisfy planning only if they are directly in the town centre. TH thought perhaps there was some kind of compromise being made because the Travis Perkins commercial land is being used where the existing buildings were already 4 storeys high. Members felt that there are too many apartment only developments in the town generally.
Members agreed that the LAF should press again for a safer footpath on the north side of the canal now and during construction. Bearing in mind the tiling company site is now empty so there is no physical reason why the path can’t be widened especially since the construction commencement has been pushed back a year.
Community facilities as part of the new development were not included as the majority local feeling after consultation was that this would only attract more anti-social behaviour.
JW reported that CRT has given permission for a communications cable to be installed under the surface of the towpath and verge all the way along the Slough Arm. This has caused disruption and damage to the bonded gravel surface which after much effort, had been very level and smooth for walking and cycling. Negotiations are happening between the Council, CRT and the contractor to get remedial works done to repair the damage. JW agreed to inform South Bucks District Council, Bucks County and Hillingdon Council’s about the damage. JW to update.
Members felt that an ongoing maintenance budget is needed for the towpath. The state of the fencing and overgrown vegetation facing onto the Stoke Road is in a bad condition and there has been dumping happening on the public car park spaces. DM to visit the Basin with JW.
Resolved – The LAF agreed to press CRT and SUR again to have the fence on the north side moved back a couple of metres, as it is a major safety issue and that all other issues mentioned above would be taken up.