Policy information sourced from Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale Neighbourhood Plan

NP/SS1 – Ascot Centre/High Street - “Ascot Village” AND Policy NP/SS2 Ascot hotel

NP/SS1.1 A Development Brief as set out in Appendix C, encompassing all of Ascot High Street and Centre (including “Ascot Village”) as identified on Map 15 will be required in advance of any application for development. Any relevant development proposals must be in line with this Development Brief and must be accompanied by a Statement of Community Consultation, as set out in Appendix D.

NP/SS1.2 Any proposal for the redevelopment of Ascot Centre and High Street should take into account the following community aspirations:

  • Improvements to the road infrastructure, specifically including the High Street, the roundabout at its junction with Winkfield Road, the entry into St. George’s lane and the roundabout at the top of Station Hill
  • Improvements to how the High Street looks and feels, including significant greening
  • Improved pedestrian crossings and wider pavements along both sides of the High Street
  • Safe and attractive pedestrian and cycle routes to connect Ascot Centre to North Ascot, Ascot Station and South Ascot
  • Sufficient car parking for residents, local shoppers, workers and visitors, to include a dedicated short term car park for the local community
  • Dedicated loading zones for retail and commercial premises
  • A Village Square, on or adjacent to the High Street, appropriate for use as a community gathering place to allow for activities such as small markets or performance events
  • A Community Centre, next to or fronting the Village Square, capable of use as a community hall and an arts space or small cinema
  • The retention of important mature trees incorporated into the designs
  • The creation of green spaces which for Ascot Village should be equivalent to approximately 15% of the total area

NP/SS1.3 These requirements will be delivered by new housing and commercial/ mixed development as follows:

  • Housing development on the site referred to as “Ascot Village” and defined by Map 15. This shall be similar in character and scale to the existing two storey terraced housing around Course Road. Proposals must include new vehicle access that is not off the High Street and sufficient parking to ensure residents and their visitors are not reliant on the main public car parks
  • Commercial or mixed development along the High Street with retail outlets or cafes/restaurants at ground level and office or residential units above
  • The inclusion of small retail or employment units in the region of 50 square metres in the proximity of the retails units is also actively encouraged.

NP/SS1.4 High quality of design is a key consideration for this development. The design of any development at Ascot Centre will need to make the most of existing features, in particular the mature trees, and will need to deliver a centre which demonstrates local characteristics, creating a pleasant environment for residents, workers and visitors, whilst reflecting the global importance of the racecourse.

NP/SS1.5 PHASING: Development at Ascot Centre must be phased to ensure there is no adverse impact on the economic activity of the High Street and to ensure that any cumulative impacts of development can be dealt with. The Development Brief must include proposals for the phasing of both the development and of all the required improvements and amenities, with clear milestones and deliverables. The phasing proposals must demonstrate how the infrastructure improvements and amenities will be delivered in phases alongside the phased delivery of the development in advance of each phase being occupied.

For more information please see the Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale Neighbourhood Plan