Staines Development Framework FAQs

Q1 What is the Staines-upon-Thames Development Framework?
Q2 Will Staines be subject to a high concentration of development?
Q3 How will the proposed zoning for certain sensitive locations in Staines affect development proposals for the Council's own assets in the town?

Q1 What is the Staines-upon-Thames Development Framework?

The Staines Development Framework will set out the opportunities for Staines-upon-Thames to deliver new homes, commercial activity and supporting infrastructure (healthcare, education, public facilities etc) in the town centre. It will also address key issues such as managing traffic problems, improving public transport links, and enhancing the town's public spaces and riverside setting.   The Staines Development Framework was formerly known as the Staines Masterplan.  Once complete the framework will set a clear vision and strategy for the transformation and regeneration of the centre of Stain

Q2 Will Staines be subject to a high concentration of development?

The Staines Development Framework will consider the development of the town centre in more detail, however as the Borough's main town, it will be expected to capitalise on its great transport links and sustainable location. Staines therefore holds opportunities for high density development, however this will be expected to comply with design policies and have regard to local character. 

Q3 How will the proposed zoning for certain sensitive locations in Staines affect development proposals for the Council's own assets in the town?

It is very important that the Council keeps its roles as local planning authority and landowner separate when we produce a Local Plan and guidance documents such as the Staines Development Framework. That is why the zoning proposals do not necessarily reflect current plans for the Council's developments in Staines (Thameside House and the Oast House). These schemes are likely to be submitted as planning applications before the Local Plan and Staines Development Framework are adopted (expected to be Summer 2023). There is an exception to the policy that allows for a departure from the height and density limits but it will be for the Council as landowner to decide whether it chooses to rely on an exception and depart from the height limits. The Council may also choose to require its schemes to comply with the policy before it is adopted, although other developers won't have to as it won't have significant weight in decision-making until after adoption. These are matters for the councillors to decide separately from their discussions on the Local Plan.