We asked Future Nature WTC (BBOWT’s ecology consultancy) to examine CALA Homes’ outline planning application to develop Maidenhead golf course and to submit an objection.
Cala Homes has undervalued the woodland habitats
Future Nature’s assessment found the application undervalues the woodland areas and scattered trees in relation to both their own ecology reports, and ours. This means the effects of the proposals cannot be fully evaluated and therefore mitigation appropriate for the loss has not been provided.
This is contrary to the RBWM Local Plan Policy NR2 as the application does not “demonstrate how they maintain, protect and enhance the biodiversity of application sites including features of interest such as hedgerows, trees…” and it doesn’t “apply the mitigation hierarchy.”
The ancient woodland at Rushington Copse is not being adequately protected
The National Planning Policy Framework (paragraph 186) states: When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:
a) if significant harm to biodiversity resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission should be refused.
c) Development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons… (for example, infrastructure projects including nationally significant infrastructure projects, orders under the Transport and Works Act and hybrid bills), where the public benefit would clearly outweigh the loss or deterioration of habitat).
You can read the full objection from Future Nature on the planning application page of RBWM’s website: https://publicaccess.rbwm.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=S6ZPDMNI0PG00
Or email us at maidenheadgreatpark@gmail.com and we’ll send you a copy.
It’s not too late to object
Please do support our campaign by objecting to these plans that will lead to the cutting down of thousands of trees, devastating our local wildlife.
How to object
You can simply email planning@rbwm.gov.uk giving your reasons why you object to this planning application. Include the ref no 24/00091/OUT and give your full name and address.
Evidence of the ecological value of the golf course woodlands
We’ve published more information about the wildlife habitats and biodiversity of the golf course here https://maidenheadgreatpark.co.uk/ecology-reports-show-biodiversity-importance-of-maidenhead-golf-course-woodlands
If the Council had not got in such financial mess a few years back , then this golf course land would not have been sold to builders . To have such an area of greenery and habitat for wildlife is rare in a town this size . The new council not only has to sort out the financial mess , but the community is losing this green ‘lung’. And the person who did the damage , and did a bunk , has now been appointed to another larger authority . Unbelievable ?