'Best decision for future of Maidenhead' - Inspector's go-ahead for town centre masterplan

Maidenhead has passed a key milestone on its journey towards a rejuvenated, vibrant town centre.

Following its public examination earlier this year, the Area Action Plan (AAP) has been described as 'sound' by planning inspector David Hogger who concluded that it will:
• deliver planned growth
• stimulate regeneration
• protect environmentally sensitive areas and
• provide a focus for the revitalisation of the town centre.

This means that Maidenhead now has an approved framework for its future and sends the clear message to developers, landlords and property agents that the town is ready, willing and able to take forward opportunities for rejuvenation.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, the Council's Lead Member for Maidenhead, thanked everyone involved in the Herculean task of bringing together the AAP, not least Maidenhead residents, businesses and community organisations who took part in the consultation process.

He added: "The regeneration of Maidenhead is a council priority and the stamp of approval for the AAP is a significant step forward. The plan stood up to intense public scrutiny by the inspector and now we have a document fit to meet the challenges ahead. This is the best possible decision for the future of Maidenhead."

Cllr Christine Bateson, Cabinet Member for Planning and Partnerships, paid tribute to the contribution and leadership of PRoM (Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead). She said: "This cross-party and community group, under the excellent independent chairmanship of Bob Dulson, helped steer the AAP from the beginning, through its complex stages of development and to this satisfactory result. We now have a robust framework for Maidenhead's future and this gives us a real opportunity to market the town's potential to investors and developers."

Graeme Tulley, recently elected independent chairman of PRoM, said: "The plan meets the needs of residents, paving the way for shopping improvements, commercial development and good quality architecture. It also proposes a welcoming environment with improvements to public streets and waterways.

"We are delighted that all the effort over the last couple of years has brought this positive result. However, the hard work doesn't stop here. We are in tough economic times and we have much still to do to restore Maidenhead to the vibrant place people want it to be."

The council will formally adopt the plan later in the summer, subject to two small areas of change recommended by the inspector. These relate to the redevelopment of existing tall buildings, where he has said these may be replaced subject to strict criteria, and scope for additional development at the Stafferton Way opportunity area where this provides more flexibility.

The examination report is available to view in the Town Hall, Maidenhead; York House, Windsor; in libraries and online at www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/pp_mtc_aap.htm

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