Plan to 'transform' town approved despite concerns

The council said the plans would "transform" Ascot town centre

A key planning document setting out a vision to "transform" a town has been approved - despite concerns from residents over parking and cycling.

The plan, which proposes a scheme to turn Ascot into a "vibrant, sustainable and well-connected town centre", is designed to support a pre-existing local plan.

It was approved by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday.

Some of those opposed to the plan spoke at the meeting, including one resident who said the proposals would be a "rough deal" for local people.

The council said the document would help guide future development and make suggestions for improvements in the centre of Ascot - including better pedestrian crossings and street furniture.

Councillor Julian Sharpe said the plan aimed to "deliver a world-class village centre for the new community in Ascot."

'No-go area'

More than 500 people responded to a public consultation on the scheme, with many questioning its lack of parking provision.

Jackie Tomlinson said: "Parking is critical to the lifeblood of this high street. If parking spaces are not properly allocated, I cannot see how the plan to regenerate the high street will succeed.

"It will become a no-go area for local people and the only people benefiting from its implementations would be those living in the new houses," she added.

Another resident, Martin Richardson, questioned the removal of cycle lanes from the final proposal.

"This isn't just disappointing, it's deeply problematic," he said.

Responding to the concerns about parking, councillor Adam Bermange said the issue was "both a blessing and a curse".

"We have got quite a lot of off-street parking available but nearly all of that is provided at the discretion of the Windsor authority and the Crown Estate," he said

Mr Bermange, who is the cabinet member for planning, added that cycle lanes had been removed from the proposal following the public consultation.