A HUGE 14-storey extension to a former office block in Slough town centre has been approved despite being labelled as “out of character”.

Developer Project Builders (Essex) Ltd had its plans unanimously approved by councillors to add 52 more flats to the northside of a converted 10-storey office building at Thames Central in Hatfield Road.

Planning permission was previously given to convert the block into 153 flats. This extension will take this number of apartments to 205.

The 52 housing mix includes 24 one-beds, 20 two-beds, and eight three-bedroom flats. Six of the two-beds and six of the three-beds will be affordable.

Ninety-seven car parking spaces would be provided to serve the 205 flats. 30 of the spaces will have electric vehicle charging points.

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All apartments will have cycle parking spaces. 10 spaces will be provided for visitors or Deliveroo riders.

The plans also include the provision of a 300sqm rooftop communal space and a 93sqm roof garden.

Speaking at a planning committee, Mark Harris, the applicant’s agent, said the proposal offers “significant economic, social, and environmental benefits” and will contribute to Slough’s unmet housing need without releasing greenfield sites.

Cllr Satpal S. Parmar (Lab: Cippenham Meadows) said this would one of the tallest buildings in Slough and called it “out of character” from the area.

The building is so tall that future occupiers will have a view of Windsor Castle.

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Some of the neighbouring properties will see up to 29 per cent reduction in daylight and sunlight but planning officer Michael Scott believed this is “minor adverse” and does not outweigh the borough’s need for homes.

Councillors sitting on the committee unanimously approved the scheme on Wednesday, March 23.

The plans have been deferred and delegated to the head of planning for approval subject to finalising developer financial contributions via a section 106 agreement by September 30.

This includes £3,000 for a new loading bay on Hatfield Road and a £156,856 contribution towards education.