Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has introduced extra planning measures in a bid to maintain the rural character of two Green Belt sites in Wraysbury.

Following approval by Windsor and Maidenhead cabinet on Thursday, from today onwards anyone wanting to erect a fence or wall on a plot in Coppice Field or Thamesfield will have to apply to the council for planning permission. Fences and walls already constructed are not affected.

Coppice Field and Thamesfield - popular Windsor and Maidenhead walking areas covered in long grass and with some trees - have been marketed for sale locally and overseas in 200m2 plots.

While a few Wraysbury residents purchased plots - in particular owners of properties adjoining the fields - almost 300 have campaigned to maintain the open, undeveloped character, and submitted a petition to the council requesting a restriction of development on the fields.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning, development and property, said: "The council will fight to protect Green Belt land in the borough. We are taking this step to help ensure these beautiful fields can be enjoyed by residents for years to come.

"This move cannot prevent the building of fences or walls but rather means that permission will be required from the council. We are now able to look at and consider each application on its merits and refuse any that will be detrimental to the area's rural character."

Details of the Windsor and Maidenhead move will now be sent to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

Ongoing claims for established Public Rights of Way and Village Green status are being considered separately under their respective legal processes. The legal process for Village Green status could take six months or more, while that for the Public Rights of Way could take considerably longer.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead