Agenda item

The Committee received a pre-application presentation on the proposals for the Queensmere Shopping Centre.

Members were reminded of the purpose, scope and format of the discussion, as outlined in the Code of Conduct for Councillors and Officers in relation to planning and licensing matters.  The Planning Officer gave an introduction to the site, planning history and the policy context in connection to the site including the Site Allocation Document (2010) – SSA14 and the Centre of Slough Interim Planning Framework 2019.

The pre-application presentation was given by representatives of the applicant.  The proposal was for an Outline application for the demolition of buildings and the phased redevelopment of the site to provide a mixed-use scheme comprising residential; flexible commercial Town Centre Uses floor space (Use Class E and Use Class F), supporting sui-generis town centre uses; car and cycle parking; site wide landscaping and associated servicing and highways works.

The presentation included the vision for the key site and set out proposals for up to 1,600 new homes; 5,500 – 12,000 sq m of town centre floorspace; up to 3,750 sq m of floorspace for uses such as music or entertainment; up to 40,000 sq m of office floorspace; and 550 car parking spaces.  The timetable was to seek planning consent in Summer 2022, the commencement of demolition in the first quarter of 2024, Phase 1 starting on site in quarter four of 2024 with the first homes and Town Square delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Members of the Committee and Ward Councillors Ali and Hulme were given the opportunity to ask questions and make initial observations on the proposal which are summarised as follows:

·  Regeneration – the Committee welcomed the fact that an application was close to being submitted and highlighted the importance of the site to reinvigorate the town centre.

·  Building heights – the proposal was for buildings of between 6 to 18 storeys.  Members queried the relationship to other buildings surrounding the site and the applicant explained the approach being taken as set out in the parameter plans.

·  Jobs – the Committee commented on the importance of looking to secure commitments to create jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for local residents.

·  Social and affordable housing – the current proposal was for 12.5% affordable housing in phase 1, with review mechanisms in place, which Members noted was below the policy requirement and hoped more could be achieved.

·  Timeline – some Members were concerned about the impact the 14-year delivery timescale would have on the town centre.  It was noted that the scheme was phased and ‘meanwhile’ plan would be included in the discussed with partners and included in the Section 106 agreement or via condition.

·  Crime and community safety – Members highlighted the opportunity to improve the perceptions of safety in the town centre through the design and management of the site.

·  Accessibility – whilst it was recognised this was an outline application subject to detailed design Members commented on the ambitions for Slough to be a disability friendly town and that accessibility should be designed into the site.

·  Car parking – a question was raised about whether the level of car parking was sufficient.  It was noted that the 800 spaces in the Observatory car park would remain available for town centre uses.

At the conclusion of the discussion the Committee thanked the applicant for the pre-application presentation.

Resolved –  That the pre-application presentation be noted.