PLANS to demolish the derelict former 3M building and replace it with new multi-storey blocks of flats have been resubmitted – despite a public consultation over the future of the building and Bracknell Market still ongoing.

Bilrose Ltd has put forward plans for a 19-storey building comprising 311 flats, shops, a restaurant and a leisure centre, plus the creation of an outdoor market between The Red Lion and Skimped Hill Health Centre, in High Street.

The company – a subsidiary of Comer Homes, which owns the building – outlined its plans for the future of the site in two planning applications to Bracknell Forest Council.

The plans have been welcomed by Janet Gilbert, who lives in Kennel Lane, Warfield.

In a letter to the council, she said: “I am in full support of this application. It should have happened years ago.” The planned 311 flats will be made up of 94 one-bedroom, 186 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom and two penthouse apartments.

There would also be 363 sq m of shops, a 436 sq m restaurant and a 825 sq m leisure centre, plus 356 car park spaces, including 17 for disabled drivers.

In its transport statement, Bilrose Ltd said this equated to an average of 1.1 parking spaces allocated to each property – above the 0.9 spaces required by the National Planning Policy Framework.

However, in a letter to the council, Calvin Kent, from Underwood, Great Hollands, said: “Although I agree with the application in principle I strongly object to the pitiful amount of proposed parking for this development.” He warned of “continuing problems with residents causing parking congestion on surrounding roads for years to come”.

Comer Homes submitted a similar application in April 2012 which was turned down by the council on a technicality after an environmental impact assessment was not submitted within the required deadline.

However, in this latest application, there is an environmental statement.

Outline planning permission was granted last year for the redevelopment of the site as part of the overall town centre regeneration. These latest, detailed planning applications for the new building and the outdoor market are due to be decided in March and the former 3M building could be demolished by November.

To comment, visit the planning section of www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk and search for application references 13/01068 and 13/01065.

Meanwhile, the consultation on the future of the former 3M building – officially called Winchester House – and Bracknell Market, which is underneath the building, gives residents three options.They are: l Keep Bracknell Market and Winchester House as they currently stand and do not redevelop the site l Move Bracknell Market to an outside location and re- develop Winchester House l Close Bracknell Market and redevelop Winchester House.

The consultation runs until January 13. Visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ bracknellmarketconsultation