The Slough Council Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 24 September 2025, to discuss a range of planning-related matters. These include a retrospective planning application, a planning consultation, and planning appeal decisions. The meeting will be held in the Council Chamber at Observatory House.

Planning Application: 20 St Michael's Court

The committee will be considering a report regarding planning application P/09288/002 for 20 St Michael's Court, which seeks permission for a part-retrospective change of use from green verge to residential garden. The application also covers the erection of a 1.8m high timber fence, set 1m back from the footpath, and landscaping of the verge area.

The planning officer's report recommends that the application be delegated to the Planning Manager for approval, subject to conditions. However, due to the receipt of five objections, the application is scheduled to be determined by the Planning Committee.

The report notes that a similar application was previously refused, and that six other properties have also appealed similar decisions. The report explains that the current application differs from the previous ones, as it includes a 1m set back from the public highway and proposes replacement landscaping.

The report details the consultation responses received, including concerns raised by objectors regarding the design and impact on the character of the area, loss of visual amenity, and biodiversity loss. The report also notes a letter of support for the application.

The report assesses the application against the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2024, Core Policies 7 and 8 of the Slough Local Development Framework, Core Strategy (2006 – 2026) Development Plan Document, December 2008, Saved Policies H14, H15, EN1, EN5, T2 and OSC8 of the Slough Local Plan 2004 and the Slough Local Development Framework, Residential Extensions Guidelines, Supplementary Planning Document, adopted January 2010.

The report states that:

The applicant has demonstrated the reinsertion of the amenity value of the green space by the set back of the fence by 1m which would enhance the visual impacts of the development. A set back of 1m has been requested to ensure that if any other properties at St Michael's Close and Ramsey Court apply for a similar part proposed part retrospective application, a consistent approach would be taken, given that this previous verge is wider towards the rear of St Michael's Court and more narrow at Ramsey Court.

The report recommends conditions including that the landscaping is completed within 6 months of the date of permission, and that the fence is set back 1m from the highway.

Planning Consultation: Local Validation List

The committee will consider a report regarding a draft Local Validation List (LVL). A Local Planning Authority (LPA) is required to maintain a Local Validation List that provides a clear guide for residents and applicants on submitting a planning application.

The report notes that the draft Local Validation List will be out for consultation for six weeks, starting on 15 September 2025 and ending on 26 October 2025.

The report explains that the Local Validation List outlines the information required for submitting a planning application, including documents, plans, and supporting technical assessments. The purpose of the LVL is to ensure that all necessary information is provided to validate the application, assess the proposal accurately, and determine the application in a transparent manner.

The report states that the draft LVL will be consulted on for six weeks and updated as necessary, and that the final LVL will be adopted and published on the Council's website.

The draft Local Validation List for consultation is included as an appendix to the report. The draft includes a Quick Summary Guide, a Fee, Forms and Plans List, and a Supporting Documents List. It also includes a Householder Planning Application Guide, which indicates the likelihood of a list item being required.

The draft states that:

Failure to provide all the requisite mandatory and local requirements will result in the application not being registered and processed. Please note that if your application is found to be invalid you will be given 4 weeks in which to make it valid. After that, it will be returned.

The draft also notes that the council will charge external consultant fees to review technical reports, such as a Financial Viability Assessment¹, Sunlight and Daylight Assessment, and Microclimate Assessment.

Planning Appeal Decisions

The committee will be informed of planning appeal decisions received in August and September 2025. The report lists the summaries of the appeal decisions received from the Planning Inspectorate, including appeals for 45 Hampshire Avenue, The Manor Tree Group, and The Ostrich Inn.

Other Matters

The committee will also be considering:

• Guidance on Predetermination/Predisposition
• The minutes of the previous meeting held on 30th July 2025
• A Human Rights Act Statement
• Members Attendance Record
• The date of the next meeting