Corstorphine & Wright-designed proposals to replace a former Debenhams department store in Staines-upon-Thames with two residential towers have been blocked by a planning inspector.

The practice’s plans, drawn up for developer Future High Street living, would have delivered 226 build-to-rent flats in blocks of 13 and 15 storeys. But they were rejected by Spelthorne Borough Council in June last year.

The Surrey council cited the effect of the proposals on the Staines Conservation Area and its impact on listed buildings and non-designated heritage assets. The four-storey Debenhams store is a non-designated heritage asset in the town.

…