Controversial Bridge Clinic plan has not been approved, clarifies RBWM

Windsor and Maidenhead council has clarified that a controversial plan for a new nursery in Bridge Road is still awaiting a decision.

Plans for a change of use from medical clinic to nursery at number 160 (Bridge Clinic) are set to go before a planning panel at a future date.

But a separate application for listed building consent for the same site – which was approved – confused neighbours, who thought that the wider proposals had been given the go-ahead.

They were dismayed that they hadn’t had a chance to make their voices heard – having previously learned the application was being called in for discussion at a future Maidenhead Development Management Committee.

The change of use application (23/01847/FULL) includes new access from Guards Club Road, 14 parking spaces and a children’s play area.

This has been in the system since July 2023 and has fetched 21 objection letters from residents, largely relating to concerns over the highways impact.

It is feared the extra trips to a nursery will cause tailbacks and congestion along the A4.

Meanwhile, the listed building consent application (23/01848/LBC), lodged at around the same time, was granted permission three weeks ago, on May 16.

It was for ‘internal changes to facilitate the change of use’.

The only objection logged on this one was from Maidenhead Civic Society.

Because of this separation of the two, residents were concerned they had been denied the chance to have their voices heard by the panel on the change-of-use itself.

The Royal Borough has since clarified that this second application relates ‘only to the works on the existing building’ which are ‘required to facilitate a change of use’.

Ian Wallace who lives near to the site, and is one of those concerned about the nursery plans, said the differentiation could have been much clearer.

He noticed documents relating to fire and service vehicle access on the listed building application, confusing matters.

“What on Earth has that got to do with a listed building consent?” he said. “It’s a real muddle, very unclear. “

Adding to the frustration is that the call-in to the Maidenhead development panel was logged some time ago, in September last year.

“It’s like the sword of Damocles hanging over you,” said Ian. “We just want a chance to live in harmony with our neighbours and make sure the right decisions are made.

“We’ve live with the consequences of these [planning] decisions. We’re looking for a bit of support.”

A council spokesperson said: “No decision has yet been made by the local planning authority on application 23/01847/FULL [the change of use].

“This has been called in for determination at a future Maidenhead development management committee, at a date to be scheduled.

“Application 23/01848/LBC relates only to the works to the listed building required to facilitate the change of use.

“However, given that the above application remains undetermined, planning permission has not been granted for the change of use.”