Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Borough has welcomed the planning application for an extension to the Maidenhead Waitrose store as a vote of confidence in the town and its economic future.

The application, received by the cMaidenhead ouncil's planning service, is for a two-section extension to the store, with 12 new town centre flats and additional car parking.

Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for Maidenhead town centre, said the news was a further sign that big-name retailers had confidence in Maidenhead and were willing to invest in its future.

She said: "Over the past few years we have seen increasing evidence of national and international businesses putting their money into Maidenhead. They have confidence that the town has what it takes. While it must go through the normal development control processes, the news that Waitrose has submitted a planning application for an extension to their already successful store is yet more evidence of Maidenhead's standing in the retail sector."

Cllr Simon Werner, deputy leader, said Maidenhead's progress as a family friendly town was underscored by this welcome planning application.

He added: "The council's commitment to the continuing economic development of the town and our strong partnership working with businesses and retailers are sending out positive messages that Maidenhead is a vital and viable town centre – and we are seeing very encouraging results."

Gill Smith, of Waitrose, said: "We believe our proposal will add to the quality and choice for shoppers in Maidenhead and offer our customers an enjoyable shopping environment."

The application, which must go through the normal Maidenhead planning procedures, proposes that one part of the Waitrose extension will be on Forlease Road following the demolition of the existing building. The second part is proposed for Moorbridge Road in the area currently occupied by the service yard and the store's current temporary car park site.

The residential element of the scheme is planned for above the Forlease Road extension and set back from the single storey sales floor. It is proposed to provide 12 single aspect flats (nine 2-bedroom and three 1-bedroom) over three floors, served from a main entrance and lobby at the junction of Forlease Road and Moorbridge Road, Maidenhead.

The application also proposes a new single-deck 200-space customer car park at the rear of the shop within the area of the existing car park, providing 36 spaces more than at present. A further 13 parking spaces would be provided for the proposed Maidenhead residential development. The proposed sales floor area of the premises would be increased by 953 sq metres to give a new total of 2,348 sq metres.

Waitrose Limited, part of the John Lewis Partnership, consider that the proposed development would significantly enhance the main food store provision in Maidenhead town centre and improve the town centre's overall retail appeal.

Copies of the application details will shortly be available for inspection on the Maidenhead council's website and in the customer service centre in the Town Hall. The application will go though the normal planning process and the council will be undertaking a number of consultations with local organisations and residents.

Any representations should be sent to David Trigwell, Head of Planning, at York Stream House, St Ives Road, Maidenhead. It is expected that a decision on the application will be made within the next 12 or 13 weeks.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 14-Dec-2005