"Colossal" 701 homes plan at Slough's Horlicks Factory site approved

Developer Berkeley Homes had its phase two plans backed by a majority of members sitting on the planning committee to build 534 dwellings in the private sector and 167 affordable units.

The housing mix compromises 254 one-beds, 398 two-beds, and five three-bedroom apartments. It also includes 20 three-bed terraced houses and 24 three-bed duplexes.

The apartment blocks and homes area will have the following names: Horlicks Terrace, Barley Mews, William Horlicks House, James Horlicks House, and the Maltings.

Barley Mews (Image: Berkeley Homes)

James and William Horlicks House

The buildings will range from three to fourteen-storeys in height. The site will also have ground floor commercial units, new green spaces, an east-west pedestrian and cycle route, 251 car parking spaces, cycle parking for all residents, and electric charging points.

Cllrs Harjinder Gahir (Lab: Wexham Lea), who was the only member to abstain, and Satpal Parmar (Lab: Cippenham Meadows) were concerned that given this is a “colossal” development, they feared the car parking spaces are not enough and could lead to on-street parking and add pressure to the roads.

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Planning officers have said the parking provision was agreed upon at the outline planning stage back in 2019. They added that the site is very close to the town centre and to public transport links, reducing the need for cars.

Berkeley Homes is to provide a £1.62m contribution as part of phase two to be put towards highway improvements and implementing sustainable transport plans, such as electric charging points.

Layout of the site. Phase two is highlighted in red whereas phase one is highlighted in blue (Image: Berkeley Homes)

The factory, owned by GlaxoSmithKline, closed in 2018 after 110 years of producing the malted milk drink. Berkeley Homes bought the site shortly after its closure.

The developer is already building 576 homes at the site. After having its detailed plans approved on Tuesday, July 26, the housing number will be nearly 1,300.

Despite the site delivering a huge number of affordable housing, it does not comply with the council’s 30 per cent affordable housing policy as it is only proposing 25 per cent.

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Planning officers said it was ‘unviable’ for the site to deliver more affordable units but still believed this was a good offer.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann (Lab: Britwell & Northborough), lead member for planning, said: “I really do commend Berkeley. I think the sensitive reflection and cooperation of some of the more important heritage aspects of this site should be recognised.

“This site is an important part of our town’s history and I commend the work you have done so far and I look forward to seeing the same quality of delivery for this phase coming forward.”