Runnymede Borough Council (RBC) struck a blow to plans for more than 100 student units to be placed at 40 and 41 High Street, with a representative of Egham Residents' Association describing the decision as a "rare and encouraging victory".

The plans were submitted back in July of this year and were refused on Wednesday 6th December on the grounds that its "scale and height" were not in keeping with "surrounding buildings". Runnymede Borough Council added, the units would "fail to preserve or make a contribution to the local character of the conservation area".

The plans would require the demolition of existing buildings on Egham High Street, which are surrounding by a range of high-street banks, supermarket chains and independent local businesses. The location is particularly convenient therefore for students, with Egham rail station a few minutes walk away and Royal Holloway, University of London just 15 minutes walk or bus ride to the south west.

The Pad, student accommodation, operated by Scape Student Living also resides nearby on Egham Hill, and is home to 214 students.