Land South of Kimbers Lane, Maidenhead, SL6 2QP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area with particular regard to parking and Kimbers Lane
• The effect of the development on trees
• Whether the proposal provides an acceptable provision of affordable housing and other infrastructure
• The effect of the development on ecology
• Whether the proposal makes effective connections to adjacent parcels of land
• Whether the proposal will provide acceptable living conditions for prospective occupiers, including those on the adjacent site, with particular regard to outdoor space and privacy
• Whether the proposal delivers acceptable levels of play space

What decided it

The combination of harm to character and appearance from the siting of large apartment blocks close to Kimbers Lane, unacceptable impacts on trees, and failure to secure required infrastructure contributions meant the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits.

The significant benefits of housing delivery (4.47-year supply shortfall), affordable housing provision, wheelchair accessibility, CIL contributions (£1,472,569.35), and SME housebuilder status were outweighed by considerable environmental harms to character and appearance, trees, and protected species, together with the failure to secure infrastructure contributions required by policy.