PLANS to build 63 Slough town centre flats have been given the go-ahead despite criticisms for providing zero affordable housing.
A majority of members on the planning committee, who convened face-to-face on Wednesday, May 26, approved plans to demolish the existing three-storey building on 190-192 High Street for two retail units and 63 flats.
Two blocks ranging from six to 10-storeys in height with a bridge connecting the buildings together on the fifth floor would replace the existing building.
The housing mix consists of 45 one-beds, 15 two-beds, and three three-beds, with five car parking spaces and a rooftop communal garden.
READ MORE: Slough Town Centre could see 63 flats built if approved
Previously, planning officers reported it was 61 apartments with a housing mix of 34 one-beds, 20 two-beds, and seven three-bedroom flats. They revealed this was made in error.
Affordable housing and a financial contribution could not be included in the scheme as it would’ve created a £3.3 million deficit, which was confirmed by an independent assessment consultant.
This is due to the costs of demolishing the building, according to planning officers.
Despite this, Lottie Hurst – who spoke on behalf of the applicant, – urged councillors to approve the plans, saying this will “kickstart” the redevelopment of the southside of the High Street, delivering much-needed housing, and the local authority would rake-in thousands from council tax and business rates.
Councillor Pavitar K. Mann (Lab: Britwell and Northborough), lead member for planning, welcomed the “good quality” design of the apartment blocks as well as the “rare” inclusion of three-bedroom flats for a town centre development.
However, she criticised the scheme for having zero affordable housing.
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Cllr Mann said: “I am extremely disappointed, particularly that the applicant didn’t explore the opportunity for potential provision of this.
“I completely understand the issues about viability [and] I completely understand how we are bound by national guidance in the NPPF [national planning policy framework] in having to give regard to that – but it doesn’t change the fact the applicant has now had two major town centre schemes with zero affordable housing contribution.”
Planning officers have said they have included a ‘review mechanism’ to see if there any changes in the development’s viability to see if a financial contribution can be made.
The scheme was approved with eight councillors for and one against.
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