Policy information sourced from South Bucks Core Strategy Development Plan Document

Core Policy 15: Mill Lane (Opportunity Site)

The Mill Lane Opportunity site as defined on the Proposals Map is identified as a Major Developed Site in the Green Belt.

A comprehensive, conservationled approach must be taken to the regeneration of the site, with a highquality mix of development, watercourses and parkland. Suitable uses on the site would include residential, commercial development (for example B1 offices, a café/restaurant, a marina/boatyard), a hotel (broadly on the current Skindles site) and open space.

Any redevelopment proposals should:

  • See the gasholder and sheds on the Severnside part of the site removed when possible.
  • Result in no greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt, and retain the largely open character of the site. On the former Mill site, a high quality design could result in development of a similar height to the existing building. Elsewhere, the height and massing of development should ensure a reduced visual impact.
  • Be sympathetic to the historic nature of the site and its surroundings, including the Taplow Riverside and Maidenhead Riverside Conservation Areas, and any remains of archaeological importance.
  • Preserve, and where possible enhance, the character and appearance of the riverside setting, including views to and from the site.
  • Protect, conserve and where possible enhance Maidenhead Bridge and Glen Island House, and their respective settings.
  • Deliver a net gain in biodiversity resources and avoid unacceptable impacts on the nearby South Lodge Pit SSSI.
  • Provide an acceptable means of access into the site, and minimise the impact of the new traffic generated on the A4 Bath Road.
  • Improve public access to the River Thames through a new riverside walk with a new footbridge provided across the Thames to Maidenhead in the vicinity of Boulters Lock, unless demonstrated not to be feasible or viable.
  • Ensure that there is no net loss of jobs, based upon the former range of activities on this Opportunity Site (circa 200 jobs).
  • Guide new development towards areas of lowest flood risk within the site, with only water compatible development in Flood Zone 3b, with all other development in Flood Zone 2, with the exception of the redevelopment of the Skindles site (partly Flood Zone 3a) for a hotel.
  • Adhere to the minimum requirements set out in the Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk assessment for the site, which will include demonstrating a measurable reduction in the risk of flooding as a result of the development.
  • Minimise the risk of groundwater pollution through the mitigation of the effects of historic contamination.
  • Incorporate decentralised and renewable or low carbon technologies (for example, combined heat and power, or potentially water power), unless it is clearly demonstrated that this is not viable or feasible. This should ensure that at least 10% of the energy needs for the development are secured from these sources, in accordance with Core Policy 12.
  • Demonstrate, prior to the granting of planning permission, that the necessary infrastructure can be put in place within agreed timescales.

A Development Brief must be produced for the site by the landowners / developers, in conjunction with the Council, prior to a planning application being submitted. The Development Brief will be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document.

For more information please see the Core Strategy Development Plan Document