Plans to build a three-storey block of 12 flats on the old station yard produced furious objections from many residents. Not only was the block far too big and dominant in this location but the proposed provision of parking was woefully inadequate.
The Society sent in several objection letters criticizing the proposed scheme and challenging the highways department’s logic in acceptance of inadequate parking.
Because of the size of the development the decision on whether to approve or not had to be taken by the RBWM Planning Panel. We were extremely disappointed and concerned when the officer’s report to the Panel recommended approval. At the Panel meeting on Wednesday evening the Cookham Society and Cookham Parish Council made a joint presentation of our reasons for objecting. We were followed by both our Ward Councillors (Mandy Brar and Gerry Clark) who supported and reinforced our objections. The Panel took onboard what we all said, and the application was unanimously rejected. Great result produced by us all working together.
In the discussion, the number of individual objections from residents was noted by the Panel members. It is definitely worth sending in those personal objections! It was also good to hear Panel members referring to the guidance of our Village Design Statement.
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