Ten-bed luxury mansion plans for former school

Plans to demolish a former private school and build a huge mansion will be discussed by councillors.

Real Estate company Arora Management Services wants to demolish the former Hurst Lodge School on Bagshot Road in Ascot.

The new ten-bedroom mansion would include a bowling alley, three pools, and a theatre.

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead planning officers are recommending to refuse the plans on the basis that a single large house would be an "inefficient use" of the land, though some neighbours have written in support.

The company intends to build a "grand and impressive manor house set within large stately grounds" in "neo-classical Georgian style", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It would have a garage with space for 11 cars, and three staff flats above.

Ground floor plans include an indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, pool bar, "grand living room", "grand dining room", drawing room, and two kitchens.

The second floor would have a two-lane bowling alley, bar, lounge, and theatre.

Planning officers say the mansion fails to address the need for more housing in the Royal Borough.

But four neighbours have called on councillors to approve the plans.

Yvonne and Guy Lobbock said a large mansion would be "more in keeping with the surrounding area, which is known for its spacious properties and green spaces".

They said: "This development would enhance the aesthetic appeal of the neighbourhood and maintain the high standard of living that residents currently enjoy."

Richard and Victoria Goodhew said neighbours "unanimously agreed that a single dwelling was by far the best form of development for this site".

They said the area could not support a more intense form of development that would add traffic to "an already busy road".

Stephen Kitson also warned that multiple houses would make Bagshot Road more dangerous and harm the greenbelt.

He added: "This would undoubtedly impact on the very nature of our home - surrounded as it is by open fields, woodland and green space."

Councillors are set to vote on whether to grant planning permission at a meeting on Thursday.

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