Chris Bateson's Planning Update December 2021
ASHFORD
VICTORY PLACE - The vacated land situated at the back of the Tesco site opposite Ashford Hospital. A revised Council Planning Application incorporating many of the Councillor-requested changes to improve the development proposal was submitted and passed by the Planning Committee in November. This will provide a total of 127 residential units specifically targeting provision for key workers.
CHURCH ROAD CAR PARK - After much discussion the Council are now firming up plans to be presented to the Planning Committee in Spring 2022. This will consist of some housing, a community facility and a small amount of retail outlets.
STANWELL ROAD - The Planning Committee recently approved plans for a change of commercial use at this location. Hitchcock and King the current occupants are to vacate the warehouse at the front of the development, moving to the rear. The front area will be taken over by Supermarket chain LIDL and another commercial outlet.
STAINES
THE OLD TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SITE - The land situated between Debenhams and Staines Library in Thames Street. Inland Homes submitted a proposal to build two blocks of high rise flats here. The Planning Committee unanimously rejected the proposal when it was put before them. Following an appeal against this decision by the Developer, a Public Inquiry was granted. This was held between 30 November and 8 December. The Inspector's decision is expected by the end of January 2022.
RENSHAW INDUSTRIAL ESTATE - This is the land situated between the Moormede Estate and London Road near the Iron Railway Bridge. The Planning Committee considered but rejected a proposal for more concentrated high rise development. The Developer has lodged an appeal against this decision and a verdict from the Planning Inspector is expected in the early part of 2022.
CHARTER SQUARE PHASE C - The land close to Fairfield Avenue off the London Road. This was the third and final phase of a largescale development in the area. This area, which was considered but rejected by the Planning Committee on the grounds of over development of the locality. The scheme is being re-examined by the Council to see whether an alternative scheme can be brought forward. No date has been set for this but is expected to come forward during 2022.
STAINES RIVERFRONT - A Planning Application to develop this site is expected in the early part of 2022. Situated in the heart of the Staines conservation area, it is a location that has generated much sensitivity and concern as to what ultimately ends up being built there. An expected application for more high rise development incorporating the provision of a hotel is deeply unpopular with local residents. However, this will have to come before the Planning Committee at some point.
DEBENHAMS SITE IN THE HIGH STREET - A formal Planning Application has now been submitted to demolish this landmark Debenhams building, replacing it instead with two 14 storey high rise buildings. This application is likely to come before the Planning Committee in the early part of 2022.
THE OLD STAINES FIRE STATION ON THE RIVERFRONT - This site has become neglected and derelict over recent years despite being a Grade 2 listed building. A formal Planning Application has very recently been submitted to convert the Old Fire Station into a dwelling house and erect 4 further dwellings at this location. This matter is likely to come before the Planning Committee in early 2022.