A COUNCILLOR raised “grave concerns” the Queensmere shopping centre redevelopment will cause “disruption” to the town centre for a prolonged time.
Developer British Land is to have its outline plans to transform the 1970s shopping centre and surrounding buildings around the High Street to build up to 1,600 homes, along with shops, offices, restaurants, leisure space, public open space, and 685 car parking spaces.
It is only asking for outline planning permission at this stage, meaning it is seeking permission from Slough Borough Council with the development in principle before a full application is submitted.
However, Central ward councillor Safdar Ali (Lab) raised several “grave concerns” surrounding the development and “strongly objected” to the scheme being approved.
He believes, along with the other major developments happening in or near the town centre, this will create a “concrete jungle” and additional traffic burdens.
The nearby Observatory shopping centre is also due to be redeveloped later in 2030 if another planning permission is approved. But Cllr Ali said both Queensmere and Observatory should be upgraded at the same time.
He said: “Separate construction will still cause disruption across the centre, but will be for a prolonged period of time, rather than intense construction over a shorter period. Given the other developments taking place along the High Street at the moment, this will create further problems.”
Cllr Ali also raised concerns that the parking is “insufficient,” the consultation on the development was not wide enough, the six to 18-storey buildings will require “intense regulation and safety procedures,” pressure on schools and GPs, and the 12 per cent affordable housing offer is way below the council’s 30 per cent policy.
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In response, planning officers say the proposed density is “typical” for urban town centres and consider the impact on Slough’s highway not to be “severe” as the developer will put forward funds to mitigate the need for a private car and parking, such as improvements to walking and cycling and introducing a car club.
Officers also consider the phase of development appropriate as redeveloping Queensmere and Observatory at the same time will “significantly” amount of retail and commercial units could potentially be lost if that were to happen.
They said: “The proposals have been prepared to ensure the Queensmere shopping centre could be developed either with or without Observatory Shopping Centre in situ.
“Whilst no current plans are tabled to develop Observatory, the scheme has been designed to ensure the town centre is still served by an appropriate level of retail and commercial uses, and town centre public car parking within Observatory whilst the Queensmere shopping centre is under development.”
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They also said the development can support the height of the buildings and the consultation process was in accordance with policy.
Councillors sitting on the planning committee are due to decide on Thursday, September 28.
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