The Windsor and Ascot Development Management Committee meeting on June 6, 2024, primarily discussed two significant planning applications. The first was for a new dwelling on land fronting the north bank of the River Thames in Raspberry Road, Staines, which was ultimately refused. The second was for the change of use of the Eatonwick Methodist Chapel to an office, which was approved despite initial officer recommendations for refusal.

New Dwelling on Raspberry Road, Staines

The committee reviewed a full planning application for a new dwelling on land fronting the north bank of the River Thames, with access between 66 and 68 Raspberry Road, Staines. The proposed dwelling was intended to replicate the historic Cotan House, demolished in 1959. The site lies within the green belt and is designated as ancient woodland with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

Key points discussed included:

• The proposed dwelling would be raised on metal stilts and constructed off-site using self-insulation panels.
• The Environment Agency (EA) objected to the proposal, citing the site's location within a functional floodplain (Flood Zone 3D) and the lack of a sequential test to demonstrate lower-risk alternatives.
• The committee report highlighted additional reasons for refusal, including impacts on the character of the River Thames setting, failure to demonstrate ecological conservation and biodiversity net gain, insufficient arboricultural information, and the absence of an energy statement.

The applicant, Mr. John Watson, argued that the project would restore a historic building and address flood risks through innovative design. However, the committee ultimately decided to refuse the application, citing the green belt policy and flood risk concerns.

Change of Use for Eatonwick Methodist Chapel

The second major item was the application for the change of use of the Eatonwick Methodist Chapel on Alma Road, Eatonwick, from a place of worship (Class F1) to an office (Class E). The site is located within Flood Zone 2 but poses no greater flood risk with the proposed use.

Key points discussed included:

• The chapel had been closed for over four years due to an insufficient congregation and lack of community use.
• The application followed a previous refusal in October 2023 for failing to comply with Policy IF6, which requires evidence of no longer a demand for the community facility and consultation with service providers.
• The applicant provided evidence of a 12-month marketing period, but officers argued it was insufficiently targeted at community uses.

Councillor Malcolm Leach of Eton Town Council and the applicant, David Howards, both spoke in favor of the application, emphasizing community support and the lack of demand for the building as a community facility. The committee debated the adequacy of the marketing efforts and the potential economic benefits of the office use.

Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application, citing the economic benefits and the overwhelming community support. Conditions were imposed to restrict the use to Class E (C and G) and remove permitted development rights to prevent future conversion to residential use without further planning permission.