Agenda item

Horlicks Factory, Stoke Poges Lane, Slough

Minutes:

The Committee received a pre-application presentation on the proposals for the Horlicks Factory, Stoke Poges Lane, Slough. The protocol relating to pre-application presentations was tabled to remind Members of the purpose, scope and format of the discussion.

 

The pre-application presentation was given by representatives of the applicant, Berkeley Homes.  The proposal was to submit a hybrid planning application for up to 1,300 residential units, café and retail facilities, a nursery, car and cycle parking and associated works.  It was recognised that the factory was a landmark building with significant local interest and the detailed plans for the redevelopment, extension, access and landscaping were outlined.  There had been a recent public consultation event and the applicant was considering the feedback.

 

Members were given the opportunity to ask a number of questions and made initial observations on the proposal.  The following is a summary of key questions and issues raised:

 

·  Design – Members welcomed the proposals to retain and enhance the factory, chimney and clocktower being retained in design proposals.

 

·  Parking – concerns were expressed by several Members that the proposed 400 car parking spaces would not be sufficient.  A risk of overspill to adjoining residential areas would need to be considered.  The ambition to promote modal shift was recognised.  These issues would need to be adequately addressed in the transport plans when the application was submitted.

 

·  Ecology – Members emphasised the importance of maximising the ecological offer.  Significant consideration had already been given to how this could be achieved.

 

·  Water features – the proposed water features were welcomed, however it was emphasised that the design, maintenance and management would need to discourage vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

 

At the conclusion of the discussion, the presentation was noted.

 

Resolved –  That the pre-application presentation be noted.

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