Sawyers Close, Windsor – plans for new homes approved
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (RBWM) last night (7 December) approved Abri’s plans for the regeneration of Sawyers Close in Windsor. The proposals, which are overwhelmingly supported by Abri’s customers, will see the existing buildings demolished and 413 high-quality affordable homes built, both on the existing site and on open space adjacent, transferred to Abri by RBWM.
All of the new homes will be affordable housing (either through reprovision of existing social rented homes, affordable rent or shared ownership) in a mix of apartments, maisonettes and houses. Every Abri household at Sawyers Close is guaranteed one of the new properties and, by building an additional 221 homes, Abri can also help many more people in housing need in RBWM.
The homes that are planned will respond directly to the aspirations of Abri’s customers: lower energy costs, more storage and private amenity space for everyone.
Stephen Lodge, Abri’s Executive Director Development and Strategic Asset Management said: “We are extremely pleased that the Royal Borough has agreed to back our plans. Over the past couple of years, we have worked closely with the community at Sawyers Close, with their local councillors and with officers at RBWM to make sure that what we plan to deliver meets the future needs of our customers.
“A community is about more than just bricks and mortar. We want to help Sawyers Close to become a thriving, inclusive, sustainable place for people to live. Our plans for a new community centre and play space are designed to bring the wider community together to enjoy everything that Sawyers Close will have to offer.
“Thanks to the transfer of additional land by the council, we can also build safe, warm homes for many more in housing need in the local area. Tonight’s decision is very positive but there’s still so much m
To help create a thriving, sustainable community, Abri’s plans also include a range of facilities, available not just to Sawyers Close residents but to the wider community as well. These include a new community centre, a cycle hub where people will be able to maintain their own bicycles or hire out e-bikes, and a transplanted community orchard and garden.
Councillor Helen Price, Clewer & Dedworth East Ward
“I am thrilled that last night the Sawyers Close Development was approved by the Planning Committee. I spoke in favour. The new development has taken on board Sawyers Close residents concerns and preferences and the resulting plan is exceptional in its design. It is now up to RBWM to ensure that the associated infrastructure, eg getting around is put in place. This is at least a six years building programme so there is time. As Ward Councillor I will be pushing hard to ensure this gets on the Capital programme.”
Following the council’s resolution to grant planning permission, Abri is now able to develop more detailed construction plans and procure partners to help build the new homes which it hopes to start next year. Abri will continue to work with residents and stakeholders to ensure their views continue to shape the ongoing delivery of the project.
Planning information
The planning reference is 23/01090/FULL. The planning application documents are available to view by visiting this website: https://publicaccess.rbwm.gov.uk/online-applications/ and entering the above reference number.
To guide the redevelopment of the site, Abri submitted a Stakeholder Masterplan Document to RBWM which was approved by the Cabinet Committee at its meeting on 30 March 2023. The approved Stakeholder Masterplan Document is available to view on Abri’s dedicated Sawyers Close website: https://www.sawyersclose.com
The redevelopment includes the existing Sawyers Close estate and land to the south that will be transferred to Abri by RBWM once the development is completed.
The existing playing fields to the east of Sawyers Close – Dedworth Manor Park – will be retained with new walking and cycling routes provided through the site to Smiths Lane improving accessibility.
Notes to editors
Media contact for Abri and Silva enquiries:
Carlene Leonard, Head of Press and External Affairs
Carlene.leonard@abri.co.uk
@AbriGroup
About Abri
Abri is a large housing provider who own and manage over 50,000 homes and various community assets, serving 114,000 customers. Silva Homes joined Abri in October 2023 making the group a financially stronger and more resilient organisation. To help deliver our services Abri work with 36 local authorities and 63 different parliamentary constituencies alongside partners in our community.
Silva will operate as separate legal entity under the Abri Group umbrella before fully transferring in 2024.
We believe everyone has the right to a good quality safe, warm and sustainable home in a community where they can belong, grow and thrive. What does that look like in real terms?
- We’re investing £689m over the next ten years in our existing homes to improve building safety and make them more energy efficient
- We’re delivering 10,000 homes by 2030, ensuring affordable housing is built where it’s needed most
- We’re investing in our communities, to address local issues and create opportunities for everyone
How are we doing right now?
- G1/V1 regulatory rating (as of November 2023)
- Moody’s credit rating of A3 stable (November 2023)
- Investment of £85m into existing homes
- Built 1,017 homes in 2022/2023
- Invested £3.7m in cost of living support directly for customers and community investment
- #3 Best Housing Associations to Work For, #44 in UK’s Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For
- Investors in People Gold
As we grow, we’re re-establishing our strong local presence to provide a really good service. Abri has adopted a regional approach to service delivery, with our operating areas split into three, each with their local governance and leadership. This will ensure our colleagues are more visible, accountable and better connected to our customers and local communities to meet their diverse needs.
On 22 November 2023, Abri announced that we are exploring options for a formal partnership with Octavia Housing.
More information about Abri and our strategic objectives can be found at www.abri.co.uk
Further information about Silva can be found at www.silvahomes.co.uk