CAMPAIGNERS and former Prime Minister Theresa May met up to discuss the controversial Maidenhead golf course plan.
Members of the Maidenhead Great Park group and Mrs May, who represents the constituency, met on Friday, January 20, to discuss environmental concerns surrounding the large-scale development.
The 132–acre golf course in Shoppenhangers Road is earmarked for 2,000 homes, including 30 per cent affordable homes, two schools, public open space, and a community hub, as set out in the borough local plan, which sets aside multiple sites for development .
A planning application is yet to be put forward by developer CALA Homes, who will deliver the project in partnership with the council.
Maidenhead Great Park campaigners protesting the 2,000 homes development at the golf course (Image: James Bagley)
Campaigners have been fighting to overturn the adopted local plan, believing it will unnecessarily “destroy” the wildlife at the golf course during a climate crisis. They want it to be a great park instead.
But attempts were thwarted when their two legal challenges were blocked by two separate High Court judges.
Mrs May and the campaigners spoke about how the Conservative MP might support the group’s aims to minimize the environmental damage caused by the development.
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Tina Quadrino, chair of the Maidenhead Great Park campaign group, says: “We are grateful for Mrs May’s time to review with us the latest plans put forward by CALA Homes and we welcome her support to ensure a Community Land Trust is set up to manage the land that is not developed for the benefit of people and wildlife.
“It’s vital we as a community make the most of the woodlands and greenspace of the golf course to mitigate the effects of climate change, including protecting and enhancing biodiversity, water storage, shade, pollution, and carbon absorption.
“Mrs May noted our request that check-points need to be introduced during the various phases of the development to re-assess the economic viability of the next phase, taking into consideration the cost of delivering the necessary infrastructure and housing need.”
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Theresa May said: “I was pleased to meet some of the key members of the group who have been campaigning for Maidenhead Great Park.
“Although the Borough Local Plan and South West Maidenhead Development Plans have now been agreed and include development on the Maidenhead Golf Club site, I understand the concern to ensure that as much green space as possible is protected for local people and in particular the importance of protecting Rushington Copse.
“I encourage the group to work with CALA Homes and the Council to ensure the best outcome in everyone’s interests. I will continue to raise issues with both CALA Homes and the Council on behalf of local residents.”