Churchill Hui and Radian work with community
to complete Old Windsor scheme
13.06.2011
Radian has worked together with the local community to overcome initial reluctance in replacing a sheltered housing scheme in Old Windsor, with a mixed tenure of apartments and town houses, some of which will only be made available to the over 55s.
The community's initial reservation was mainly due to the severely restricted parking which was already causing problems in Lyndwood Drive, even before any work had occurred.
However, it became apparent during a long public consultation process with residents, and parish and borough councillors, that some of the unwillingness to embrace the development was due to the level of local history surrounding this site.
Lyndwood Drive is a cul-de-sac that, many years ago, used to lead to Lyndwood House. The grand house, which sat on a substantial plot of land either side of the drive, was home to the Randall fami ly who lived there for numerous generations and employed many of the local community. One current Lyndwood Drive resident, Dave Knight's grandfather was the Randall family chauffeur and his grandmother also worked for them at Lyndwood House decades ago.
Aware of this local connection, Radian worked in partnership with the residents and suppliers to overcome a challenging period and generate a positive outcome for to the local area.
To alleviate residents' concerns, Radian worked with the local planning authority to widen the width of the Lyndwood Drive and was also happy to make a financial contribution towards the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's consultation with the local residents regarding a parking permit scheme.
Radian organised an Open Day at the earliest opportunity to allow the local residents, who had tolerated the building site on their small cul-de-sac for a number of months, to view the finished houses and apartments befor e new residents move in.
Peter Coleman, Radian combined board member, said: "From the outset everyone at Radian were committed to working with the Old Windsor community. It has taken a long time to deliver, needed many hours of discussion and some compromises on both sides but that has ensured the scheme is one that both Radian, and the community can be proud of."
The architects, Churchill Hui, have designed a development boasting both one and two bed apartments, as well as three bed town houses. The apartments will provide comfortable homes for over 55 year olds, whilst the town houses offer much needed family homes.
It is anticipated that some of the flats will be occupied by older people who are currently under-occupying larges houses in the area, therefore freeing up more homes for local families.
In order to minimise the effect on local parking and maximise outdoor space, each of the houses has two parking spaces (two of which are i ntegral garages) and all benefit from private back gardens.
The ground floor apartments have a patio area and a further four have balconies.
John Lee, assistant clerk at Old Windsor Parish Council, said: "This development had all the potential to be a complete nightmare for the existing residents.
"The combination of a very good builder, great communication with the housing authority and the goodwill of existing residents meant that this was completed without any tears.
"Radian kept everyone up to date on developments and invited the existing residents input on things so we always felt part of the team."
