Viewpoint: Inconsistency of planning decisions near Maidenhead Golf Club

No to 32 homes – but 1,500 homes get a yes

As Maidenhead Golf Course moves inexorably toward total decimation by the building of some 1,500 homes, I read the article “No to homes over ‘adverse impacts’” in the Advertiser last week with incredulity.

The application to build 32 homes on land off Kimbers Lane (very close to the golf club) was declined by the planning inspector, Zoe Rygen.

When set against the backdrop of the golf club, I would like to quote from the rationale given for the planning refusal:

“Kimbers Lane forms a pleasant narrow lane which has an abundance of planting….with the extent of house building proposed, this character will inevitably change.”

“...the proposal would have an unacceptable impact on trees, failing to protect existing habitats for biodiversity.”

“Pressure would be placed on trees that contribute positively to the character and appearance of the area and are not adequately compensated for.”

“Furthermore, I cannot be sure that the effect on protected species would be effectively mitigated.”

“There are considerable environmental and social harms.”

“Adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

In summary, 1,500 homes on the golf course: YES! 32 homes in a field off Kimbers Lane: NO.

Whilst I admit to a vested interest, I find the degree of hypocrisy regarding the two adjacent projects absolutely staggering.

CLIVE KELLETT

Member, Maidenhead Golf Club for 45 year

Reverend left indelible mark on community

Both Maidenhead Care and People to Places wish to mark the recent passing of Reverend Peter Hudson, a man whose work here in the 1980s and 90s left an indelible mark on the Maidenhead community.

Reverend Hudson's contributions, particularly through the establishment of Maidenhead Care and People to Places, have been immense for local people with limited mobility.

Reverend Hudson was a visionary leader whose compassion and dedication to the wellbeing of others were evident in every endeavour he undertook.

In July 1985, Maidenhead Care was established.

Its primary role being to provide transport to medical appointments, shopping for elderly people, and home visiting.

It recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and is very generously supporting People to Places with a grant of £20,000 to highlight their shared continued success.

In 1988, Reverend Hudson took a Government funded scheme which was closing and relaunched it as People to Places, an independent registered charity, commencing service on November 1, 1989.

It was a testament to his innovative spirit and his deep understanding of the needs of the community.

This initiative focused on providing accessible transportation for those with mobility challenges as People to Places was instrumental in ensuring that all members of our community could lead active lives and participate in numerous activities including work and meeting with friends and families.

Reverend Hudson also instigated many other successful community projects in his time as Minister at the High Street Methodist Church, Maidenhead and as part of Churches Together in Maidenhead.

But to make all these things happen, Reverend Hudson was very adept at motivating people, including local businesses and community groups.

He was a force of nature for good and it is said that it wasn’t easy to say ‘No’ to him.

Reverend Hudson's life was characterised by his selfless service and his unwavering faith.

He was a man of great integrity and compassion, and his contributions to our community have been immeasurable.

His work with Maidenhead Care and People to Places has left a lasting legacy of kindness, compassion, and service.

In closing, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to Reverend Hudson’s wife, Celia and his family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. Reverend Hudson’s legacy of service and compassion will never be forgotten, and we are forever indebted to him for his contributions to our community.

PETER HALEY, CEO, People to Places

MIKE MOSS, Chair of Maidenhead Care
 

This blessed plot, this earth, this realm...

Englishness is determined by England and its history.

England is roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, Cheddar cheese, roly poly pudding, custard.

England is maypole dancing, Morris dancing, the pub, the village fete, village cricket, the pun.

England is William Shakespeare, Christopher Wren, Charles Dickens.

England is The Industrial Revolution, the White Cliffs of Dover, Greenwich Mean Time, the Shipping Forecast.

This is England.

DIANE HAYES

Hearne Drive

Holyport
 

Unregulated flag flying while world is in chaos

I am writing in response to the letters about lamppost flag flying in recent issues of the Advertiser.

Where I grew up – I was not born in this country – the national flag was something to be honoured, respected and treated well.

There were regulations regarding the size of the flag and the flagpole, the condition of the flag (they had to be clean and intact) and the rituals of when and how the flag was raised and lowered.

Thus it upsets me greatly to see the Union flag – and the St George’s flag – attached by plastic ties to lampposts at whatever height can be reached with a ladder.

I do not agree that this is a show of patriotism.

But perhaps even more than this, I am upset by the thought that some people feel that this practice is the way they can show their patriotism and love for this great country at a time of trouble and distress.

The world – and not just Britain – is in chaos, that cannot be denied.

However, instead of creating further friction and division by unregulated flag flying should we not come together and work side by side to improve conditions for all of us, whether we are native British citizens or people who have arrived from elsewhere?

Perhaps this way we could, quoting Dr Lacaren’s letter from last week, do our best to ‘ensure that every soul from the long standing resident to the new arrival is able to receive everything they need’.

HEIDI GILHOOLY

Rutland Road

Maidenhead

A flood of problems under St Cloud Way

Further to the article in last week’s Advertiser: since the new waterway was constructed there has been a long history of problems with flooding at the A4 St Cloud Way underpass preventing access into the town centre via the Green Way.

Prior to construction the path was subject to occasional flooding but mostly usable.

This photo shows its use in February 2015 by someone with a pushchair.

Currently they would have to take their chances on the cycleway round Arena Court.

And in September 2025:

The reason for the repeated flooding is a consequence of a cable buried in the stream in 1992, just north of the A4 bridge.

When the waterway was built the flood wall was supposed to extend along the Green Way as the water level was due to rise once the weir was built.

Instead, a brick wall was built in the location of the cable, a problem to be dealt with at some future date!

In addition it appears that the concrete used here was not waterproof unlike that used in the rest of the flood wall.

The consequence is that water leaks through gaps in the brick wall and joints in the path.

Water is collected by a gutter system and pumped away but this can’t keep up with the flow. The overspill has led to the current slimy section of the path, the reason for the present closure..

With reference to the cable, now owned by Virgin Media O2: as I noted in May this year the VMO2 resolution specialist was to inspect the cable once the path was dry to find out if it was live, as this will influence any future attempts to find a permanent solution to the flooding of the path.

The inspection has not yet happened, and it is unclear whether the continued presence of water in the immediate area of the cable will prevent such inspection.

It was decided at the September meeting of the Maidenhead Waterways Partnership Group meeting that Ben Crampin, the flood risk manager, would contact VMO2.

We are encouraged by Councillor Douglas’ comment, reported by the Advertiser regarding fixing the problem properly for the next generation.

As the Green Way is a joint project of our Society and East Berks Ramblers dating back to 1985, we will do all we can do to help.

ANN DARRACOTT

Maidenhead Civic Society