A COUNCILLOR defends plans for a block of flats to be built in Maidenhead High Street after a ‘flurry’ of criticism.  

Councillor Ross McWilliams (Conservative: Cox Green), cabinet member for housing, took to social media to defend the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council’s decision to approve the six-storey block of flats at 106-108 High Street.

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The council approved plans to build 14 flats above Poundland on April 9, while the rear part of the building will be demolished – which the applicant claims will improve the West Street part of the site.

The existing building has been identified as a non-listed building of architectural and heritage interest, but the retail section facing High Street at the front of the site will be retained.

Outraged Maidenhead residents complained development like this is destroying the town’s heritage and historic buildings – with some saying this kind of investment is not welcomed and is making the centre ‘ugly’.

Councillor McWilliams has called some of these complaints “a bit over the top” and “negative”.

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He said: “This particular development is supported by the Maidenhead Civic Society, since the frontage is being preserved and the high floors are at the rear of the building.

“I think it’s really great to see investment coming into the town and – critically – new homes, which will drive footfall onto our high street and wider town centre. This will be particularly key as we look to rebuild our town centre businesses post-COVID-19.

“It goes without saying we need to have the right infrastructure and a good mix of affordable housing, as well as protecting heritage assets, such as building frontages, but overall it seems to be to be a good thing.”

The approved plans consist of six one-bedroom apartments, eight two-bedroom flats – two of them being wheelchair accessible –and an undercroft which will provide a 14-space car park and four cycle spaces.