The final details of a planning application to build 52 homes on the former Shoppenhangers Manor site were approved by Maidenhead’s development control panel.

The panel was ruling over the reserved matters application, which detailed the appearance and layout of the scheme. Outline permission for a 52-home development near the Holiday Inn in Manor Lane was granted, after an appeal, on June 18, 2013.

The application follows an unsuccessful one which the borough blocked in November 2014, with the council deciding it was too cramped in appearance, and lacked soft landscaping.

Council officers were satisfied that the fresh application addressed these issues, and had recommended it for approval. Some houses have been set further back, reduced in size and reorientated.

The panel heard that 83 neighbours were informed about the refreshed plans, with only one submitting an objection since.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, planning agent David Hutchinson said: “I think we are now in a position where we are in agreement with the officers, and also, with the absence of objections from local residents, I respectfully ask it’s approved in accordance with the recommendations.”

Cllr Derek Wilson, who is the borough’s cabinet member for planning, expressed his disappointment at the borough’s failure to get Shoppenhangers Manor listed status before it was demolished in 2007, and said he had concerns about the original reserved matters application.

But he added: “From what I’ve seen here this evening, it’s a vast improvement on what was originally proposed.”

Cllr Simon Dudley (Con, Riverside) said he was ‘delighted’ with the £930,000 Section 106 payment which the developer is supplying.

But Cllr Dudley, who is the  council’s cabinet member for finance, voted against the proposal, saying he wanted more details on the what type of affordable housing the developer will supply. The Conservative Party is committed to shared ownership schemes over affordable rental units.

Officers and councillors pointed out that an affordable housing contribution was dealt with when the outline application was approved in 2013. It promised 30 per cent of the scheme would be designated as affordable housing.

Every other member except Cllr Dudley voted in favour of the scheme.