Ascot Parish Council Issues Strong Objection to McLaren Site Redevelopment Proposal (26/00952)
Ascot Parish Council has formally submitted a strong objection to planning application 26/00952, which proposes the redevelopment of the McLaren site on Station Hill, Ascot (SL5 9EG). The scheme seeks permission for the demolition of the existing building and the construction of two four-storey buildings providing 48 residential apartments, alongside associated access, hardstanding and landscaping.
The Parish Council has raised significant concerns that the proposal would cause substantial harm to the character, infrastructure, and environmental integrity of the area—particularly when considered cumulatively with several major developments already approved within Ascot Parish, including Heatherwood Royal (250 units), Cala (90 units), Shorts (127 units), and London Square (101 units).
Our Key Grounds for Objection
Green Belt Impact
Although the site is previously developed land, the proposed scale and height of the development would significantly reduce the openness of the Green Belt. The replacement of a single-storey structure with two four-storey buildings represents what the Council considers inappropriate development within this sensitive designation.
Excessive Bulk, Scale and Height
The surrounding area, particularly South Ascot, is characterised predominantly by two-storey development. The proposed four-storey buildings are considered wholly out of keeping with this context and contrary to local and neighbourhood planning policies. The scheme fails to justify its designation as a “landmark” development and does not meet the high threshold required for such classification.
Parking Deficiencies
The proposal includes no general parking provision, aside from limited disabled spaces. This is directly contrary to Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (RBWM) parking standards, which require one space per one-bedroom unit and two spaces per larger units. The Council warns that this omission will result in significant parking stress, increased congestion, and safety risks on Station Hill and surrounding residential roads.
Inadequate Amenity Provision
The development fails to provide adequate communal or private amenity space, with many units relying on north-facing balconies adjacent to major transport routes, which do not meet RBWM design standards. Future residents would experience compromised living conditions, particularly given nearby infrastructure pressures such as the proposed expansion of the station car park.
Substandard Apartment Sizes
The majority of the proposed flats fall below national minimum space standards, with some units significantly undersized. This raises concerns about the long-term suitability and quality of accommodation.
Affordable Housing Shortfall and Mix
While 45% affordable housing is proposed, this falls short of the 50% requirement for Green Belt sites. Furthermore, the housing mix does not reflect local needs, with an over-provision of smaller units and no three-bedroom homes.
Erosion of Village Separation and Rural Character
The site lies adjacent to a designated gap between Ascot and South Ascot, intended to preserve the distinctiveness of villages and prevent urban sprawl. The urban design and density of this scheme would erode this important separation.
Design Quality and Context
The architectural style is considered overly urban and lacks the exceptional design quality required for a development of this height and prominence. The proposal is inconsistent with the Victorian character of the surrounding area and fails to positively respond to its context.
Process Concerns
The application has been brought forward without adherence to required neighbourhood planning processes, including insufficient community consultation and the absence of a development brief.
Cllr Robin Wood Chair of the Parish Planning Committee said:
“This proposal represents a significant overdevelopment of a highly sensitive site. It fails on multiple grounds—from its impact on the Green Belt and village character, to the complete absence of adequate parking and substandard living conditions for future residents. Ascot is already absorbing substantial growth, and developments must be carefully planned, proportionate, and respectful of their surroundings. This application does not meet those expectations.”
Cllr Robert Gregory Vice Chair of the Parish Planning Committee added:
“What is being proposed here is fundamentally out of keeping with South Ascot. The scale, density, and urban design approach are inappropriate for this location and would set a damaging precedent for future development. The Parish Council strongly supports sustainable growth, but it must be balanced, policy-compliant, and deliver quality homes with proper infrastructure. This scheme simply does not do so.”
Our Conclusion
Ascot Parish Council urges the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead to refuse planning permission for application 26/00952. The Council maintains that the proposal is contrary to local and national planning policies, harms the Green Belt, and fails to provide suitable living conditions or infrastructure support.