The Ascot community is invited to attend workshops and drop-in events to help shape the town’s rejuvenation, including sharing their views on options for improving the High Street.
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead is working with residents, community groups, businesses and other partners to produce a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) that will guide future development in the area, complementing the vision set in the Borough Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan.
The Borough Local Plan includes a high-level vision to rejuvenate Ascot as a vibrant place for the community, with an improved High Street and high-quality new development that is well integrated into Ascot and protects its green and leafy character. New development in Ascot will be focused on the High Street.
The SPD, once agreed, will provide more detail to guide developers in shaping planning applications and the council in deciding them, as well as setting out proposals to improve the High Street. It will also set out how development and the infrastructure needed to support it can happen in a coordinated way.
After initial conversations with key local groups, the Royal Borough is holding workshops and drop-in events for the wider community to get involved, discuss emerging themes and share their thoughts around Ascot’s future development and High Street improvements.
Attendance at the workshops must be booked in advance and will take place at Ascot Racecourse on Thursday 22 February and Tuesday 26 March, both from 7pm to 9pm. To book a place at one of these sessions, visit www.rbwm.gov.uk/ascot-placemaking-spd email planning.policy@RBWM.gov.uk or call 01628 796187.
Alternatively, people are welcome to simply turn up to view the plans and give feedback at drop-in sessions happening at Ascot Durning Library on Monday 26 February 11am to 1.30pm and Thursday 29 February, 2pm to 7pm. The exhibition boards will then stay on display at the library until 12 April.
People can now also see information and share their thoughts via this survey, with the window for feedback staying open until 12 April.
Community insights will help to shape a draft SPD, which will be consulted upon later in 2024. The final document will include preferred options for improving the High Street, which will be subject to further detailed design, as well as design guidance and a masterplan to guide developers.
Councillor Adam Bermange, Cabinet member for planning, legal and asset management, said: “As Ascot evolves, with the rebuilt hospital, more housing and commercial spaces, we need to enhance the town centre as a high-quality, distinctive, and sustainable place to live, spend leisure time and do business.
“We want to make sure these developments are shaped by the community’s priorities and aspirations. We’ve already had valuable conversations with key local groups, however we want to give the wider community the opportunity to help shape this SPD to deliver the strong vision for Ascot's future.
“We need your help to rejuvenate Ascot as a vibrant place for the benefit of the community and people from all walks of life, with an improved and thriving High Street and high-quality new developments that add to the quality of life in the town.
“So if you live or work in Ascot, please share your thoughts and get involved, either at the workshops, the drop-ins or online. No decisions have been taken at this stage, and these conversations will ensure we fully capture and understand the key considerations and preferences.”