Edwardian house's fate in the balance

Admirers of an attractive Edwardian house in the heart of Windsor now face a wait to learn if it has been saved or not.

Campaigners were jubilant in December when the Royal Borough threw out a plan by Berkeley Homes to flatten Essex Lodge on the corner of Osborne Road and Bolton Avenue, putting a four-storey apartment block in its place.

The developers appealed against the council's refusal and a public inquiry was held on Tuesday at the Guildhall, in front of a Government inspector.

About 25 residents turned up to show their support for the house.

Ward councillor Phill Bicknell (Con, Park) - a member of the Royal Borough's ruling cabinet - repeated the authority's stand that the proposed new block was out of keeping, being on the edge of the conservation area.

The inspector's decision will be known in a month.