Protesters present petition against golf course homes

Campaigners say the development will destroy wildlife habitats

Protesters opposing a development on a former golf course have handed a petition to a local authority that supports the proposals.

Campaigners against 1,500 new homes on the old Maidenhead Golf Club site presented their 2,000 signature-strong petition at a Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) council meeting on Wednesday.

It comes as councillors have been warned pulling out of an agreement with developer Cala Homes could cost the authority about £120m.

That would almost definitely bankrupt the already cash-strapped council.

The scheme involves building an estate called the Elizabeth Quarter, plus shops, a cafe and a primary and secondary school.

But locals have raised concerns about losing the 132-acre open space - 40% of which is woodland.

The petition said the golf course provided a "green lung" for the community, as well being home to "important habitats for wildlife".

The proposed scheme involves building an estate called the Elizabeth Quarter

"If the woodlands and green space of the golf course are protected from development, the people of Maidenhead will have the opportunity to use this space in the best way possible for their sustainable future and wellbeing," it added.

The proposed number of houses on the Shoppenhangers Road site has been scaled back from previous plans for 2,000 and later 1,800.

As part of their response to the petition, council officers said: "The purpose of the allocation is to provide a development that serves the needs of all residents within the borough..."

"The council’s finances have continued to worsen, which makes a programme of asset sales to reduce borrowing and improve the revenue position even more critical," they added.

John Allan, managing director for Cala Homes in the Chiltern region, told the BBC: “We have worked closely with residents and local community groups to develop our plans for a sensitive, landscape-led development that combines much-needed new homes with large areas of open space that everyone can access and enjoy.

“Public green spaces are at the heart of our proposals and make up 37% of the total site area. Protecting and enhancing the site’s woodland and wildlife is vitally important to us and our proposals retain as many natural aspects of the site as possible.

"A green spine will run through the development, connecting to a new central park and several play areas. Importantly, this vast green space is designed to support the retention and protection of Rushington Copse – an ancient woodland which is not currently accessible to members of the public - and nearby woodland."

"In further recognition of preserving these existing woodlands, and the biodiversity they support, we have increased the separation between the new homes and Rushington Copse."