THE Royal Borough could potentially buy a former defence estate for £22.5m in order to spruce up the existing homes.

Senior councillors agreed in July to seek the purchase of the freehold for Cavalry Crescent in Windsor, which consists of 53 vacant houses that are two and three-bedrooms.

The potential agreement to buy the site from owners Annington Homes was subject to full council agreeing to the proposal. Councillors are recommended to seek the purchase of the site at a meeting on Tuesday, September 27.

If purchased for £22,550,202, Annington could fully refurbish the properties to market standard and then be managed by the Royal Borough’s property company known as RBWM Property Company.

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It is anticipated Annington could undertake the refurbishment works possibly in November and finish next April.

At the site, there are two small parcels of land that can accommodate 10 apartments that will be affordable. A planning application to redevelop that bit of land could be submitted at a later stage.

If planning permission is granted, construction of the ten apartments could start in March and be finished by the end of April 2024.

Rental income and a £25 weekly service charge will help pay off the borrowing and maintain the site.

READ MORE: Council could buy former defence estate in Windsor for £20m

Elsewhere at Tuesday’s meeting, councillors are recommended to approve a £110,000 grant from the government and the Lawn Tennis Association, which is the national governing body of UK tennis, to do revamp works at Maidenhead’s Kidwells Park, Desborough Park, Oaken Grove, and in Windsor’s Goswell Park/Alexandra Gardens.

Along with the new nets, posts, and fencing, the council will implement access-controlled entry gates with an online booking system in order to maintain the courts’ upkeep.

The proposed gates have been criticised for potentially alienating residents wanting to play but can’t pay during the cost of living crisis.

But the council says this is now standard at many other venues and will ensure residents and groups can reserve their slot before they turn up to play, which will benefit players at peak times, maximise court usage, and increase participation.