THE government is considering whether or not to call in the controversial 80-homes scheme in Maidenhead after it was referred to ministers over flooding fears.
In November, developer Cala Homes’ plan to build on land south of Ray Mill Road East, also known as Deerswood Meadow, was deferred and delegated to the head of planning subject to conditions by a majority of Tory councillors sitting on the Maidenhead development management panel.
The plans, involve building a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terrace houses, as well as 32 flats comprising 16 two-beds and 16 one-bedrooms. Just under 50 per cent would be affordable.
The site is earmarked within the borough local plan, known as AL 27, to be a pocket park.
It is also prone to flooding which prompted the Environment Agency to object over safety concerns as well as prompting planning officers to recommend refusal.
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However, Cllr Ross McWilliams (Con: Cox Green), lead member for housing, moved a recommendation against officer’s advice, believing the affordable homes will reduce the council’s “full” housing waiting list
Despite moving one closer to fruition, the plans were subjected to referral to the Secretary of State due to the Environment Agency’s concern on flood risk.
The government agreed to use Article 31 Direction, which prevents the council from issuing a formal decision on the plans, on January 25.
The department for levelling up says Ministers are currently considering whether to call in the application and a decision will be announced “in due course”.
A council spokesperson said: “While the officer recommendation was to refuse the planning application on flood risk grounds, weight was given to the contribution the new dwellings would make to the supply of housing within the borough, as well as the provision of affordable homes.
“The panel’s resolution to approve was referred to the Secretary of State due to the Environment Agency’s objection on flood risk grounds and we await a response.”
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Questions have been raised over Cllr McWilliams connection to Cala Homes as his private employer who does public relations on behalf of the developer.
The lead member has previously said he does not work on any projects relating to Cala Homes or within the Royal Borough. He also insisted the monitoring officer found no conflict of interest after he took advice from her when his employer took on Cala Homes as a client.
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