Planning
The Society has a small planning subcommittee that reviews planning applications as they are received from Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council (BDBC) and feeds back any comments. Many plans, such as for house extensions, receive no comment. The Society focusses its comments on plans which deviate from the Village Design Statement or are large and out of character with their surroundings. Scroll down to view recent planning applications.
Latest Planning News
Developing a Neighbourhood Plan - Over the summer of 2018 Highclere Parish Council voted to develop a neighbourhood plan which is a way for villagers to have a stronger influence on how their neighbourhood develops in future. The Highclere Society is actively supporting this initiative with representation on the main steering committee. The committee is now seeking additional volunteers. Read the poster on how you can help.
Steady Flow of Applications - Following a bumper 2017 with some 50 applications, the flow of new applications in 2018 is now more subdued. Most now are for home extensions and improvements, or changes to conditions on approved applications. The Society continues to monitor applications and comment where appropriate - scroll down to planning applications.
The Local Plan for Basingstoke & Deane Council was formally adopted at the full Council meeting on 26th May 2016. It demonstrates a 5-year housing supply for the Borough and should protect unacceptable development in the village. See BDBC Local Plan pages.
Overview of Planning Activities
As well as regularly reviewing new planning applications the sub-committee responds to relevant consultations. Some key activities in which the Society will or has participated include:
- Objecting strongly to application for a development of around 50 houses at Westridge, which would significantly increase the size of the village. Exhibitions were held on Monday 14th December 2015 and Thursday 11th February 2016 seeking views from the public. 92% objected. The Society engaged a professional planning consultant and objected along with 130 other objectors. The application was refused. Details and full documentation of the application (16/00581/OUT) can be seen at this page on the Council's planning portal.
- Commenting on Basingstoke & Deane's Local Plan 2012-2027. This has been several years in development during which the Society has expressed concerns about specific policies on housing in the countryside and other aspects relating to the rural environment, infrastructure and services. See BDBC Local Plan pages.
- Addressing the impacts of national planning. For example, we raised concerns about the National Planning Policy Framework when in draft, and more recently about other national policy announcements, such as that on house extensions. One option is for the Society to work with the Parish Council on a Neighbourhood Plan, although this will be a costly exercise.
- Highclere Castle Enabling Development - a proposal submitted in 2009 to permit development on the Estate which would otherwise not be permitted, with the aim of releasing funds to conserve buildings and the Estate as a whole. Following an initial flurry of activity in 2009-10, nothing has progressed since then, due to 'Dowton Abbey' effect brining in more revenue to the estate - see our Highclere Castle Enabling Development page.
- In 2002 we developed the first Village Design Statement in Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council area. The Highclere and Penwood Village Design Statement provides supplementary planning guidance which is taken into account when considering planning applications.
Planning Applications
The following are a selection of current and recently decided planning applications that may be of interest to Society members. The date shown is either that of initial registration validation or that of the decision. 'Pending' means that the consultation period is over and that the planning officer and/or committee are in the process of making a decision. Extracts in quotation marks are taken directly from planning officers' reports. Inclusion in this list does not necessarily mean that the Society submitted comments on it.
To view all current planning applications for our parish, go to the council's planning portal.
Please note: Due to changes at the Council's website in 2017, earlier links below no longer work. However, the plan numbers have not changed, so use them when logging into the planning portal.
| Location | Status | Description (current application or decision) | App. No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakley Farm Wash Water |
Consultation 28/8/2018 |
Erection of a steel framed agricultural building and new hard standing turning | 18/02530/FUL |
| Heatherworld Deadmoor Lane |
Consultation 5/10/2018 |
Change of use to residential and equestion. Construction of menage with 8 floodlights (retrospective) | 18/02120/RET |
| Thorngrove School | Consultation 9/7//2018 |
Provision of new access from Mount Road | 18/01917/FUL |
| 4 The Rookery | Granted 2/8/2018 |
Erection of single storey rear and side extensions. | 18/01807/HSE |
| Glencross Annexe Mount Road |
Granted 29/8/2018 |
Application for lawful use of a building as a single dwelling house. | 18/01781/LDEV |
| 42 Woodlands Penwood |
Granted 11/10/2018 |
Change of use from takeaway to a 2 bed maisonette. Also external stairway to first floor flat. | 18/01484/FUL |
| The Coach House Andover Road |
Granted 25/6/2018 |
Erection of two storey side extension, new garage and access following demolition of existing garage. | 18/01183/HSE |
| Hillside Farm Andover Road |
Refused 23/5/2018 |
Installation of five 6m light columns around menage. Reason for refusual were "visual intrusion into the landscape" and "light pollution". | 18/00696/RET |
| Brookfields House Westridge |
Granted 6/4/2018 |
Variation of condition nos. 1, 3, 4 and 7 of 17/03168/FUL to retain the pool and alter the proposed dwelling. Conditions concerning construction methods and timings of deliveries and work. | 18/00527/ROC |
| 2 Highclere Street | Granted 13/4/2018 |
Erection of single storey rear extension. | 18/00368/HSE |
| Springfield Andover Road |
Granted 27/4/2018 |
Erection of two storey side extension. | 18/00270/HSE |
| 42 Woodlands Penwood |
Withdrawn 22/3/2018 |
Change of use from a takeaway and shop to a 4 bed maisonette with some window changes. See reised application above. | 18/00200/FUL |
| The Shieling Westridge |
Granted 23/02/2017 |
Erection of single storey side extension following demolition of existing porch. Erection of double garage and carport with covered link way following demolition of existing garage. | 17/4287/HSE |
| Brookfields Westridge |
Granted 7/12/2017 |
Erection of a detached dwelling following demolition of Physiotherapy Clinic building | 17/03618/FUL |
| Fernecoates Westridge |
Granted 9/2/2018 |
Erection of replacement dwelling and associated works. Alterations to access and residential curtilage - amendment to approved scheme 16/03845/FUL. | 17/03555/FUL |
| Marsden Cottage Andover Road |
Granted 20/10/2017 |
Conversion of barn to dwelling. A previous application was refused (see below). This simplified proposal uses more of the existing structure, rather than being a 'substantial rebuild'. Granted with conditions, including landscaping and construction details. | 17/02517/FUL |
| Pitt House Mount Road |
Withdrawn 30/11/2017 |
Change of use from existing oubuilding to ancillary guest accommodation with associated works. | 17/02165/HSE |
| Westwood Westridge |
Granted 14/8/2017 |
A two storey extension that significantly extends the footprint. "However the plot is substantial and accommodate an extension of this size comfortably." | 17/02044/HSE |
| April Cottage Pantings Lane |
Granted 18/7/2017 |
A two storey side extension following demolition of existing conservatory. | 17/01879/HSE |
| Oakley Farm Andover Road |
Granted 4/7/2017 |
Demolition of derelict lean-to and replacement with six 6.1m long shipping containers for self storage. Change of use from Agricultural to B8. Conditions re usage limited self-storage with time restrictions. A subsequent application (17/02525/FUL approved) proposed some reconfiguration of the site to accommodate a turning area. | 17/01674/FUL |
| Woodbine Cottage Andover Road |
Granted 4/8/2017 |
Extension of a 2-bedroom dwelling to 4-bedrooms, involving erection of two storey side, single storey rear and first floor rear extensions and construction of pitched roof over existing flat roof. | 17/01477/HSE |
| 5 Four Oaks | Granted 17/5/2017 |
Addition of single storey rear extension to dwelling, garage conversion to living room and new detached double garage. | 17/01060/HSE |
| Honeyway Cottage Tubbs Lane |
Granted 20/6/2017 |
Conversion of a bungalow to a 4-bedroom house. Involves extensions to south and west of property, addition of a second storey and conversion of garage to games room. | 17/00869/HSE |
| Westridge Studio Andover Road |
Granted 13/9/2017 |
This is studio donated as a legacy to the village by "DR". Erection of two storey extension, creation of external stairs and parking area for 20 vehicles. "These alterations would not degrade its architectural or historic character and would allow its social function to be enhanced." | 17/00867/FUL |
| Woodedge Farm Washwater |
Granted 4/7/2017 |
Erection of 3-bedroom worker's bungalow. "Proposed dwelling would be acceptable when viewed in a group context" (i.e. other farm buildings). 14 conditions including landscaping, construction methods, contanimation checks etc. | 17/00864/FUL |
| Honeysuckle Cottage 9 Moorhouse Road Highclere Castle |
Granted 17/5/2017 |
Change of use of existing redundant buildings to form a single dwelling including the erection of replacement side extension and alterations to windows and doors and internal alterations. A major renovation that "would in general enhance this disused building". | 17/00525/LBC |
| Wychwood Andover Road Wash Water |
Granted 5/4/2017 |
Erection of 2 bay garage | 17/00465/FUL |
| Marsden Cottage Andover Road |
Refused 17/3/2017 |
Proposed conversion of redundant barn to a dwelling. Although the same footprint the proposal "would fail to lead to an enhancement of the immediate setting" and "would adversely impact and erode the rural character of the area". | 17/00208/FUL |
| Crowshott Park Farm Hollington Lane |
Granted 23/3/2017 |
Erection of a 5 bedroom house, garages, stabling and new access following demolition of farm and stable buildings. Larger and taller than an earlier approved application for a 4-bedroom house. Objections from AONB and landscape officer over-ruled. | 17/00138/FUL |
| Kenmare Foxs Lane Penwood |
Refused 3/2/2017 |
Erection of a 3-bedroom house, garage and new access. This is essentially infilling between two properties, but the site is outside the settlement area and within an AONB, and was refused on grounds of "no exceptional cirumstances that would justify a departure from the Development Plan". | 16/04200/FUL |
| Brookfields Westridge |
Granted 24/01/2017 |
Demolition of Physiotherapy Clinic building and erection of a deatched single storey 3-bedroom dwelling. | 16/04182/FUL |
For 2016 and earlier applications go to our planning application archive.
Please note: Comments in quotes are taken directly from the council's decision document and do not necessarily reflect the Society's views. Further details on these plans and decisions can be found at the council's planning application portal. Use the 'Application Quick Search' box and type in the application number shown above. Most numbers are click-sensitive and will route you directly to the application on the Council's website (opens a new browser window)
Village Design Statement
A village design statement describes the characteristics of the area appreciated and valued by local people.
It provides design guidance for prospective developers and is taken into account when planning applications are decided by the local council.
The Highclere & Penwood Village Design Statement was developed in 2001-2 with full consultation of local people. What villagers value most are:
- The rural ambience - with tree-lined approaches and natural verges
- Outstanding landscape - the Parish sits almost wholly in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Stunning views - overlooking fields and open spaces
- Woodland, leafy lanes and hedgerows - and many fine individual trees
- Quiet lanes - used by walkers, cyclists and horse-riders
- Spread-out settlements - well spaced dwellings that contribute to the rural atmosphere
- The diversity of building styles - many using local red brick
- Interesting architectural features - hung tiles, patterned brickwork, varied rooflines and details.
The design statement elaborates on these, describes the key features of the three main settlements of the parish (Highclere, Highclere Street and Penwood) and provides specific guidance for developers.
The full 24-page statement, including diagrams and photos, can be downloaded here (2.4Mb PDF file).
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