Countryside campaigners seek changes to Maidenhead Golf Course development plans
In the picturesque locale of Rushington Copse, adjacent to Maidenhead Golf Course, community members have voiced their concerns over the potential lack of protection for this ancient woodland in upcoming development ventures. Amidst these concerns, a concerted effort championed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has emerged, advocating for a more communal-focused and environmentally sustainable approach to the redevelopment of this storied golf course.
At the heart of CPRE’s campaign is a call to action for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, urging a recalibration of the current development blueprint proposed by Cala Homes for the Maidenhead Golf Club site. Key to their appeal is an amplified allocation of social and affordable housing units, aimed at supporting the borough’s key workers and fostering a more inclusive community ethos.
Moreover, CPRE’s vision extends beyond housing. The organization is fervently lobbying for the incorporation of green energy solutions across the development. Their proposal stipulates the installation of rooftop photovoltaic panels on all structures within the site, including educational establishments, residential buildings, and communal facilities, to promote the generation of solar energy.
The proposition by CPRE undoubtedly surfaces amidst their broader reservations regarding the appropriation of the greenbelt land for development purposes. While the organization has traditionally stood in opposition to such uses of open green spaces, it also recognizes the potential for responsible and sustainable development, as denoted in the Borough Local Plan (BLP). It is within this context that CPRE underscores the imperative for any forthcoming construction works on the site to adhere to stringent sustainability criteria, encompassing both the fulfillment of housing needs and the preservation of the environment.
Focusing on the ecological implications, CPRE champions a development strategy that minimizes the spatial footprint of construction, advocating for a denser housing layout. This approach not only optimizes the usage of land but also serves to safeguard more green spaces from being encroached upon. Furthermore, CPRE emphasizes the importance of a robust framework aimed at the conservation of the site’s rich biodiversity, including a comprehensive plan for the protection of its flora and fauna.
Greg Wilkinson, the chairman of CPRE Berkshire, articulates the organization’s stance with clarity, stating, “In instances where green land is subject to development, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that these ventures embody the pinnacle of environmental excellence, particularly in the realm of renewable energy.” He further explicates the rationale behind the advocacy for universal solar panel installation, highlighting it as a requisite feature across the proposed development—the manifestation of CPRE’s commitment to sustainable living standards.
Wilkinson also addresses the socio-economic dimensions of the development, critiquing the current housing mix proposed in the planning application. He contends that the existing plan disproportionately favors ‘market’ housing over the much-needed social and affordable housing options, an imbalance that does not reflect the prevailing needs of the borough, especially those of its key workers. “Achieving a harmonious balance is not just a matter of fulfilling housing quotas; it’s about weaving the fabric of a community that values inclusiveness and sustainability,” Wilkinson adds.
As the dialogue around the Maidenhead Golf Course redevelopment unfolds, the advocacy and proposals put forth by CPRE Berkshire add a critical dimension to the conversation, championing a development ethos that is rooted in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and community well-being.
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