PLANS to build more than a dozen luxury apartments by radio DJ Chris Evans have received a boost after a tree expert submitted no objections to proposals.
The star hopes to demolish his derelict Sunninghill mansion and replace it with the new homes, all of which could fetch millions on the market.
Documents sent to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) showed trees are set to be removed as part of the star’s plans, but more landscaping work is proposed to join the new homes.
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A letter from an officer at RBWM’s tree team pointed out two “low-grade trees” and a hedge will be removed but “that vast majority of trees are shown to be retained.”
The expert claimed to have “no objections” to the plans based on this information, but developers would be subject to a number of conditions, including putting up tree protective fencing, before work can start.
This verdict will come as welcome news to the radio personality, who has hit stumbling blocks in recent months.
In July, the News reported flood experts’ warnings to the DJ after specialists asked applicants to provide more information about how surface water will be discharged from the site.
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It was suggested the application could be refused if developers did not address these concerns.
Three months previously, RBWM inspectors found roosting bats and other wildlife at the site.
An ecology expert claimed the new plans would likely harm the mammals and advised proposals could only go ahead if measures were taken to ensure they were not disturbed.
The proposal involves knocking down the derelict eight-bedroom house which currently occupies the site on Church Lane in Sunninghill.
Of the 14 apartments planned, eight would be three-bedroom homes and the other six would be two-bedroom dwellings, situated near to the existing swimming pool which is set to be retained.
Developers have received few objections from residents, despite Red Bull Racing F1 boss and neighbour Adrian Newey voicing his concerns.
However, Sunninghill and Ascot Parish Council objected to the designs as the development would mean building in the countryside and new luxury homes would be out of character with other houses in the area.
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The plans are currently being considered by RBWM.
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