Planning round-up: Alteration to make two-storey nursery at Grove Park

Here are the lasted planning applications in Maidenhead. Enter reference numbers into RBWM's online planning portal for more information: publicaccess.rbwm.gov.uk/online-applications 

Granted: RBWM has given permission for a company to alter the design of an approved nursery building into a two-storey nursery at Grove Park Business Estate, Waltham Road.

The building has been designed to fit in with what is around it.

The roof is pitched rather than flat, and the building steps down in height at the sides, so it does not look too large or overbearing next to neighbouring buildings.

The idea is to create 'a revised and enhanced nursery, providing an outdoor area, child and car parking.'

It will provide 95 nursery spaces and will create about 21 nursery staff jobs.

24/02857

Refused: Plans to convert an office block in Marlow Road into flats have been refused once again.

Thames House, at number 17, was built in 1998 and was previously used as the Maidenhead headquarters for inVentiv Health, a US-based company in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Proposals to change the use of the building from offices into 40 flats were first put forward in 2021. Those plans were approved, but the conversion did not take place within the three-year time limit.

Another application for 40 flats was refused in August, with officers saying the flats were too small.

Then at the end of October, a fresh prior approval application for 40 flats was submitted, but this has been turned down by the Royal Borough.

This time, the problem is regarding bins and transport.

The application is for a change of use only, but the plans and transport information also show an extension to the existing bin store, officers say.

The rules only allow permission for changing how the building is used and for internal works inside it. They do not allow any external building work or new structures to be included.

Because extending the bin store would involve external works, it cannot be considered as part of this type of application, and that is why it is not allowed.

25/02838

Granted: The Bear pub in Maidenhead has been granted permission to install some new WiFi infrastructure.

It's a listed building, so this must be done sensitively.

The plans involve fitting new Wi-Fi equipment and better cabling around The Bear so staff and customers get a more reliable connection throughout the building.

The applicant says the work will be done carefully, with minimal impact on the building’s appearance or structure, and in a way that respects its historic character while still meeting the pub’s day-to-day needs.

25/02847

Granted: Ockwells Manor is being allowed to change a stable lock into a changing room and shower.

The site of the historic Grade I listed 15th century manor has stables that provide polo facilities.

But there is currently nowhere for visiting polo players and supporters to change, shower after matches or even use the toilet, as the only facilities are within staff accommodation accessed through bedrooms.

This permission from RBWM will fix that.

25/02798

Granted: A developer has permission to convert the first floor of 8 King Street (Spacers) into three flats.

The proposal would not alter the appearance or scale of the building.

It includes two existing parking spaces for the commercial unit and one visitor parking space.

Vehicle access off King Street will be retained in its current form.

25/02873