Daniel's alteration plan in council's hands

CONTROVERSIAL plans to change the face of Daniel's Department Store were set to go before the council last night (Wednesday).

The Daniel family wants to demolish and rebuild the southern part of their Peascod Street premises, substantially altering the iconic frontage which sits in the Town Centre Conservation Area.

The plan, set to go before councillors at the Royal Borough's Development Control Panel, was recommended for approval by officers, on condition of an undertaking by Daniel's to 'secure the infrastructure' of the building.

There had been opposition to the plans from The Windsor Chamber of Commerce's secretary

Jon-Morton Bell, who said he did not want to see another 'monster building' in the town. And conservation organisation Windsor and Eton Society said they believe the Royal Borough 'has sufficient pride in its town not to allow such a mistake'.

But in a report to councillors, the planning officer said: "The design of the new building is a bold statement befitting Daniel's presence in the town that will at least preserve and, with close attention to the architectural details and the materials used in its construction, more likely enhance the Windsor Town Centre Conservation Area."

A Heritage Statement, including details provided by Oxford Archaeology, confirmed the buildings and facade are not listed.

The report also warned that if the plan was rejected, 'it is likely that the applicant would not proceed with the development, which would be to the detriment of the vitality and attractiveness of Windsor Town Centre as a shopping area'.

A new part three storey, part two-storey retail unit with an enlarged basement would be built, while the adjacent building at 126 Peascod Street would also be demolished.