Building with Pride

The community’s initial reservation was mainly due to the severely restricted parking which was already causing problems in Lyndwood Drive, even before any work had begun. However, it became apparent, during a long public consultation process with residents and parish and borough councillors, that some of the unwillingness to embrace the development was due to the level of local history surrounding this site.

Lyndwood Drive is a cul-de-sac that, many years ago, used to lead to Lyndwood House. This grand property, which sat on a substantial plot of land either side of the drive, was home to the Randall family who lived there for many generations, while employing many of the local community. One current Lyndwood Drive resident, Dave Knight’s grandfather was the Randall family chauffeur and his grandmother also worked for them at the house decades ago.

Betty Craig (right), a carer at the old sheltered scheme,
and Radian resident, comes to take a look around with friends


Aware of this local connection, Radian worked in partnership with the residents and suppliers to overcome a challenging period in order to generate a positive outcome for the local area. To alleviate residents’ concerns, Radian worked with the local planning authority to widen the width of Lyndwood Drive and was also happy to make a financial contribution towards the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s consultation with the local residents over a parking permit scheme.

“This development had all the potential to be a complete nightmare for the existing residents. The combination of a very good builder, great communication with the housing authority and the goodwill of existing residents meant that this was completed without any tears. Radian kept everyone up to date on developments and invited the existing residents’ input on things so we always felt part of the team,” said John Lee, Assistant Clerk, Old Windsor Parish Council.

Radian also organised an open day at the earliest opportunity to allow local residents, who had tolerated the building site on their small cul-de-sac for a number of months, to view the finished houses and apartments before new residents moved in.

Two of many local residents who came to have a look around were Mr and Mrs Smither, who have been allocated one of the flats for the over-55s. Susan Smither’s mother, Ivy Green, used to live in the supplanted sheltered scheme. “I’ve lived in Old Windsor all my life and it is great to be right back in the heart of it in one of these new apartments,” said Mrs Smither.

“The project has turned into real achievement. Having been born out of contention, we now have a village facility we can be proud of and which will provide long-term benefits for members of the local community. All in all a project all at Radian can be justifiably proud of. Many thanks on behalf of the local community,” said Tony Troughton, Chairman, Old Windsor Parish Council.