Sierra House: Plan to redevelop 'eyesore' Maidenhead office block approved

Councillors have unanimously voted in favour of the redevelopment of an ‘eyesore’ office block which has sat unused for 16 years.

Developer Derno Estates is seeking planning permission to redevelop Sierra House, in St Mary’s Walk, into a part five, part seven storey office building.

At a Maidenhead development management committee on Thursday (September 18), councillors showed their support for the proposals and unanimously voted to approve the plans.

The application was amended to reduce the height of the proposed building from eight storeys to seven storeys after objections from residents.

But, speaking at the Town Hall meeting, St Mary’s Walk resident Nigel Taylor said the height of the building is still ‘overbearing’.

Mr Taylor said: “We’re not opposed to regeneration, in fact many of us believe this site has real potential.

“But as the plans stand, they pose serious risks to the safety and wellbeing of the residents who live immediately next door.

“The proposals remove the only fire escape serving our residential block. This is not a minor detail; it is literally a matter of life and death.

“Developers failed to assess the direct impact on our homes. Despite repeated requests, no proper privacy or overlooking study has been produced. Habitual rooms and private balconies will be directly overlooked.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Pippa Nisbet responded: “We can confirm that there has been a comprehensive review of fire escape arrangements as part of the planning application.

“The proposals will provide a high-quality design which will successfully integrate with its surroundings… bringing a vacant site back into use.”

Obscured glazing for windows overlooking the street will also be used to improve residents’ privacy.

Members agreed that the economic benefits and improvements to the town centre outweigh the setbacks of the proposals.

St Mary’s Walk will also be open to residents and pedestrians throughout the redevelopment process, from the demolition to the construction stage.

Councillor Gurch Singh (Lib Dem, St Mary’s) said: “It’s been an eyesore for a number of years and it’s been a bit of a blight in the area. There are issues around the area of antisocial behaviour. So hopefully this new scheme will clean that up.

“It’s a good sensible scheme. What this is going to do is unlock the regeneration in this key part of the town centre. It’s a win-win situation.”

But Cllr Singh also asked that the developers are mindful of the nearby St Mary’s Church during the demolition and reconstruction stage.

No car park is planned for the site, but 84 cycle spaces have been proposed for future employees.

Two disabled parking spaces off Providence Place will also be removed and changed into loading bays, which they were previously used for.

Cllr Simon Bond (Lib Dem, Belmont) also said there is adequate disabled parking at the nearby Sainsbury’s multi-storey car park.

Cllr Bond supported the redevelopment and said: “I can remember when St Mary’s Walk was a vibrant place, and it just somehow went out of fashion as a place to go to. So yes, this is a positive step overall.”