An office block can be converted into 53 homes it has been ruled despite some neighbours raising privacy concerns.

Plans to convert the iD building on Vanwall Road in the Quantum business park in Maidenhead were submitted to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council for approval.

Two neighbours of Norden Road – just outside the business park – raised concerns that the new residents would be able to overlook their homes.

In a letter to planning officers David Doogan said: “I am not in favour of converting offices into residential housing as the buildings and location were never designed to be residential.

READ MORE: Fears that flats on business park could ‘fundamentally change’ neighbourhood

“However if planning is to be allowed for this development I must insist it includes some sort of screening.”

He added: “This should at least give a small amount of privacy against the onslaught of tall buildings around our residential homes.”

Property Developer Mountley Ltd asked the council to confirm that it had ‘prior approval’ for the conversion.

Under planning law, this means developers don’t need full planning permission to convert offices into homes.

Council planning departments only get a say on aspects such as the conversion’s transport and noise impact, or whether new residents will have enough space and light.

The council’s planning officers said under this ‘permitted development’ the impact of the conversion in the living conditions of neighbouring residents is not a consideration. The council granted prior approval on Friday, August 9.