104-flat scheme is deferred

A decision on plans for 104 homes in Slough High Street has been deferred for a site visit.

Proposals by two site owners, Connaught House (Slough) Ltd and Oxford House (Slough) Ltd, for a new Connaught House, a six – to eight storey building with retail on the ground floor at number 46 – 56, went before Slough Borough Council’s planning committee on July 26 but was deferred for a visit to consider parking, highways and height issues.

However, councillors were already unhappy with the provision of affordable homes in the scheme.

Chris Brown, associate at planning consultancy Rolfe Judd, told the meeting it was not viable to include any affordable homes but, after discussions with officers, a proportion of 4.8 per cent was arrived at. This was increased to 12.48 per cent after negotiations involving an early years nursery on the site.

However, Cllr Pavitar Mann was not entirely impressed with the position of the developer. She said: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; it’s amazing how many people come forward with unviable schemes in Slough and how many make an offer on affordable housing at the last minute.

“But that said, I do welcome the affordable housing increase from the original offer.”

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