The site of the former Merrymakers pub in Langley has been sold by Slough Borough Council.
The 1.3 acre site on Trelawney Avenue has been derelict for some time whilst discussions took place on its future, but yesterday (30 November 2023) the sale of the site to developer Elstree Land was completed.
A planning application for 53 new homes on the site has already been submitted – a mixture of one, two and three bedroom houses and flats – with 30 percent already earmarked as affordable housing.
But the owner of Elstree Land, Daniel Bradbury, has pledged to team up with social housing provider Abri Housing Association to try and provide 100 percent of the new homes as affordable.
He said: “This site has been vacant for a number of years, and we look forward to working with Slough to deliver a high quality residential scheme which will assist in uplifting and revitalising the area.
“Within these 53 homes, more than 30 percent of them will be Affordable Homes that will be delivered to the Future Homes Building Standard ensuring they are at the cutting edge of sustainability.
“But we don’t want to stop at 30 percent. My vision is to work with Homes England and Abri to bring 100 percent of the properties forward as affordable, providing future residents with an excellent balance of new homes, at a reasonable cost, close to local amenities which work for a variety of residents.”
Councillor Wal Chahal, lead member for finance and assets, said: “This a sale we are proud of. Not only does it bring in much-needed funds to aid the council’s recovery, the sale to Elstree Land means reviving a completely derelict site for new, and not just new, but also the added benefit of affordable homes.
“We had been keen for this to be developed as a medical facility for Langley residents; and we have been engaging with stakeholders such as the NHS to explore this possibility; there was however appetite for that at this time.
“This development of a brownfield site in a way which not only enhances the local area but also meets the needs of local people is very welcome and we look forward to continuing to work with Elstree Land so this vision can become a reality.”
Daniel Bradbury from Elstree Land added: “A huge thanks to Slough Borough Council and their advisors Avison Young on a smooth, engaging and pragmatic sale process.
“The borough's planning and legal departments have been very proactive and accommodating which, as an SME developer is welcomed, and we look forward to working with them closely as the project evolves.”