Agenda item

The Committee received a pre-application presentation on the proposals for the HSS Tool Hire Shop, 375 Bath Road, Cippenham, Slough. Members noted the purpose, scope and format of the discussion, as outlined in the Code of Conduct for Councillors and Officers in relation to planning and licensing matters.

The pre-application presentation was given by the agent, GAA Design.  The proposal was to demolish the existing Tool Hire shop and erect a building rising to 12 storeys for a residential led, mixed use development that would include 119 flats with amenity terraces, ground floor flexible use and car parking.  The agent referred to the scheme potentially forming part of wider masterplan for the area.

Following the presentation, Members raised a number of points including:

·  Design and materials – the principle of bringing forward residential led development on the site was supported and the general design and materials appeared positive.

·  Masterplan – Members stated that they would need to consider the application on its own merits rather than in the context of the masterplan presented given the fact the applicant did not own or control the sites referred to in the presentation.

·  Height – Members commented that no other buildings in the area were of the proposed height and any proposal should be in keeping with the location.

·  Car parking – 74 spaces would be provided and Members would want to consider this carefully in any application to ensure it was sufficient for this location.

·  Affordable housing – the agent stated that 24 units would be provided and Members commented that they felt a higher number could be achieved.

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

Resolved –  That the pre-application presentation be noted.