Waterways restoration gets planning panel thumbs up - 'Major step towards town centre rejuvenation'

An ambitious scheme to transform 2.1km of Maidenhead waterways into an attractive town centre feature has been given the go-ahead in principle by the Royal Borough.

Described as a 'major step towards town centre regeneration', the plans were unanimously suppported by Maidenhead development control panel last night (Wednesday).

Cllr Derek Wilson, panel chairman, said the complex application had been considered for more than two hours and while there were significant elements that needed further work, members agreed the restoration of the waterways was a key part of the rejuvenation of Maidenhead town centre

Cllr Wilson said: "This is a complex and imaginative scheme that will add considerably to the look and feel of the town as we take forward plans for regeneration through the adopted Area Action Plan (AAP). Restoring and enhancing the waterways touches on three development opportunity areas so it is of immense importance.

"Panel members were very conscious of the need for specific issues, such as ongoing maintenance and landscaping, to be addressed but we felt that these should not hold up our support for a scheme that promises such benefit for Maidenhead town centre."

Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group - which has carried out detailed work on the plans for the past six years - aims to restore and enhance the ring of water formed by the York Stream and the Moor Cut to make it navigable by small boats and a focus for leisure and family activities.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, lead member for Maidenhead, said this was 'the most important project since Brunel built the railway' and he was delighted by the DC panel's decision.

He said: "The vision for restoring water to Maidenhead town centre is inspirational. The plan is the result of both visionary and very practical work by the restoration group which will have the council's strong support for moving forward. This scheme is a significant and integral part of the AAP and a major step towards town centre rejuvenation. This decision gives the waterways restoration group the opportunity to seek grant and other funding to get the project off the ground."

The development control panel delegated power to the head of planning and development, in conjunction with the panel chairman, to grant planning permission subject to a range of conditions covering issues such as surface water drainage, flood risk, the location of the proposed new lock and weir and mitigation measures in lieu of the ecological improvements set out in the River Thames Basin

How do you rate this information/service?