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
Increased Flow of Applications - In the first 9 months of 2017 there have been 36 applications. Some are just for trimming trees that have TPOs. Most are for home extensions and improvements, but several are for conversions of farm buildings and outbuildings into dwellings. 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.
The application for a development of around 50 houses at Westridge has been refused. Exhibitions were held on Monday 14th December and Thursday 11th February seeking views from the public. 92% objected. The Society engaged a professional planning consultant and objected along with 130 other objectors. Details and full documentation of the application (16/00581/OUT) can be seen at this page on the Council's planning portal.
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:
- 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 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.
| Location | Status | Description (current application or decision) | App. No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marsden Cottage Andover Road |
Consultation 20/7/2017 |
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'. | 17/02517/FUL |
| Pitt House Mount Road |
Pending 20/6/2017 |
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 |
| Oak Tree Cottage Highclere Street |
Granted 22/12/2016 |
Erection of two storey side extension plus further extensions at rear. Demolition of garage and provision of off road parking. Less bulky and better rooflines than the refused scheme (see below, Aug 2016) | 16/04129/HSE |
| Hillside Andover Road |
Granted 11/1/2017 |
Erection of a three bay storage outbuilding. | 16/04095/FUL |
| Fir Trees Wash Water |
Granted 8/12/2016 |
First floor extension to form two storey dwelling above existing detached bungalow.Granted with conditions re window glazing. | 16/03830/HSE |
| Fernecotes Westridge |
Granted 23/12/2016 |
Erection of replacement dwelling. Alterations to access and residential curtilage | 16/03845/FUL |
| The Gable House Wash Water |
Granted 17/2/2017 |
Erection of a detached three bay garage with room in the roof space, dormer windows and external staircase. | 16/03533/HSE |
| 12 Four Oaks | Granted 26/10/2016 |
A revised application regarding this important tree. Reduction of canopy and various laterals. | T/00333/16/TPO |
| 2 Arkwright Close | Granted 14/11/2016 |
Conversion of garage to living accommodation, erection of front porch to replace existing and internal alterations | 16/03138/HSE |
| Fir Trees Andover Road |
Withdrawn 27/9/2016 |
Proposed first floor extension to form two storey dwelling above existing detached bungalow and proposed detached garage / carport /log store. New application submitted 14/10/2016. | 16/02901/HSE |
| 33 Woodlands Penwood Heights |
Granted 26/10/2016 |
Erection of single storey rear/side extension, alterations to existing windows, car hardstanding and drive with dropped curb and enclosure of 1.8 metre high fencing. Granted with conditions regarding access, loading/unloading and controlling dust during construction. | 16/02912/HSE |
| St Anthonys Andover Road |
Granted 27/9/2016 |
Erection of a two storey side, and single storey rear extension. Condition that site should accommodate parking for 4 vehicles. | 16/02811/HSE |
| Land adjoining The Shieling Westridge |
Granted 19/9/2016 |
Demolition of former agricultural building and erection of a two storey dwelling with associated detached double garage. This is a 15m x 15m 3-bedroom HUF house which some say is out of character with vernacular architecture of the village, while others applaud its innovative design! Grante4d with many conditions re access, materials etc. | 16/02685/FUL |
| Hillside Andover Road |
Granted 22/8/2016 |
Erection of three bay storage outbuilding. Replaces and exiting building. Must be used only for purposes incidental to main dwelling and not for any business or commercial enterprise. | 16/02265/FUL |
| 12 Four Oaks | Refused 29/7/2016 |
Reduction of crown of oak tree to give more light. This is one of the Four Oaks giving the name to the development. Application refused since "it would adversely affect the form and structure of the tree, reducing its value in the local landscape. The tree is considered too important to justify the proposed work." | T/00243/16/TPO |
| The Old Beer House Foxs Lane, Penwood |
Granted 26/8/2016 |
Erection of two storey and single storey side and rear extensions with link to annexe. Granted with conditions regarding bat protection measures. | 16/2042/HSE |
| Honeysuckle Cottage Highclere Park |
Withdrawn 14/2/2017 |
Erection of replacement single storey extension with rooflights and alterations to windows (listed building). | 16/2109/LBC |
| Home Close Andover Road |
Granted 12/7/2016 |
Replacement garage, rear extension, changes to windows, hipped roofs to replace flat roofs. | 16/01715/HSE |
| Oak Tree Cottage Highclere Street |
Refused 5/8/2016 |
Erection of two storey side extension plus further extensions at rear. Refused since "cumulative bulk, massing and complexity of rooflines, footprint and scale in relation to the size of the plot would dominate the original dwelling". A subsequent application was approved (Dec 2016) | 16/01634/HSE |
| Briarly Cottage Pantings Lane |
Granted 21/7/2016 |
Erection of two rear extensions to existing gables including a covered balcony, and external escape staircase. | 16/01223/HSE |
| Blackford Cottage Andover Road |
Granted 18/5/2016 |
Erection of single and two storey extensions, removal and re-siting of existing conservatory. | 16/01036/HSE |
| Modern Cottage Penwood Drove |
Granted 13/5/2016 |
A two storey rear extension following demolition of shed and brick store. Granted - It would have no overbearing impact on neighbouring property. | 16/00972/HSE |
| Layton House Star Lane |
Granted 12/5/2016 |
A single storey oak framed garden room. Granted - its size and scale are not harmful. | 16/00935/HSE |
| Land at Westridge | Refused 27/5/2016 |
Outline planning application for up to 50 houses. This would be the largest single development in Highclere's history. It was vigorously opposed by the Society and over 130 objectors. Refused - see news. | 16/00581/OUT |
| Hillside Farm Andover Road |
Granted 24/03/2016 |
Various extensions and alterations of existing dwelling including raising of the roof to create a 2 storey dwelling. | 13/02738/HSE |
| Woodedge Farm Wash Water |
Granted 2/11/2016 |
Outline planning application for a permanent 3-bed agricultural worker's dwelling.Whereas an earlier application was refused, an up to date viability assessment identifies an essential need for an agricultural worker's dwelling. | 16/00513/OUT |
| 2 Rutherford Close | Granted 15/4/2016 |
Change of use of land to residential. This encloses a section of front lawn with a 1.8m high fence. The enquiry letter states that a proposed single storey extension is permitted development. | 16/00448/FUL |
| Roselee Tubbs Lane |
Granted 1/1/2016 |
Erection of double garage and weatherboard. Relocation of existing oil tank and additional hardstanding to provide additional vehicle turning and parking space. | 16/00404/HSE |
| Pitt House Mount Road |
Granted 16/2/2016 |
Replacement of existing single storey garden room. | 15/04493/HSE |
| Briarly Cottage Pantings Lane |
Granted 4/4/2016 |
Construction of track to rear of Briarly Cottage and The Croft for access and loading of horses. This affects an existing Right of Way (footpath to Hollington) | 15/04408/FUL |
| Sandleford Park Newbury |
Pending 26/11/2015 |
Outline plan for 2,000 new homes with full plan for phase 1. This is a West Berkshire application that will affect traffic going from Highclere into Newbury. There is also a second application 16/00196/OUTMAJ. Concerns remain about traffic and a decision has been deferred until later in 2017. | 15/02300/OUTMAJ |
| Top Farm Highclere Street |
Granted 27/1/2016 |
Creation of utility/boot room through loss of existing open car port parking space. Alterations at ground floor. | 15/04067/LBC |
| Highclere Castle | Granted 12/1/2016 |
Re-ordering of existing public toilets to accommodate extended shop (within existing footprint of the stable block). | 15/03905/LBC |
| April Cottage Pantings Lane |
Granted 7/12/2015 |
Single storey extension and shed following demolition of existing garage. Various conditions re garage and storage on site to prevent obstruction of the lane. | 15/03601/HSE |
| 67 Penwood Heights | Granted 4/12/2015 |
Erection of two storey rear extension. | 15/03574/HSE |
| Horris Hill Farm | Granted 1/12/2016 |
New outbuilding to replace historic barn destroyed by fire. Needs a tree protection plan before development commences. | 15/03487/FUL |
| Glebe Deadmore Lane Newtown |
Granted 18/1/2016 |
Demolition and replacement of existing dwelling house. Also new ancillary accommodation. | 15/03334/FUL |
| Crowshott Park Farm Hollington Lane |
Granted 24/5/2015 |
Demolition of farm and stable buildings. Erection of 5-bedroom house. This was granted after going to committee. It is in the AONB but would tidy up a site with dilapidated farm buildings. | 15/03119/FUL |
| Chestnuts Wash Water |
Granted 3/2/2016 |
The third application for this site (Curridge Car Sales). Demolition of workshop and building four houses. Many conditions apply, e.g. on mitigation measures for the occupants from road noise. | 15/02885/FUL |
| 5 Mount Close | Granted 28/9/2015 |
Conversion of garage to living space. Erection of new detached double garage. | 15/02712/HSE |
| Rose Bank Andover Road |
Granted 23/9/2015 |
Erection of two storey side extension. | 15/02615/HSE |
| Mount House Tubbs Lane |
Granted 21/8/2015 |
Refurbishment of former stables (part retrospective). Considered of appropriate scale for the site. No windows to overlook adjacent property. | 15/02237/HSE |
| Crimble Cottage Tubbs Lane |
Granted 20/8/2015 |
Erection of single storey rear and side extensions following demolition of existing side extension. | 15/02063/HSE |
| Kinnersley House Westridge |
Granted 4/8/2015 |
Erection of stable block comprising four stables, tack room and feed/hay store. Granted with conditions, e.g. not used for business purposes | 15/01881/FUL |
| Hadley Star Lane |
Granted 14/8/2015 |
Erection of detached three bedroom house. 17 conditions including adherence to measures to protect surrounds and highway during construction, hours of contruction and deliveries etc. | 15/01804/FUL |
| Horris Farm | Granted 29/7/2015 |
Erection of new ancillary barn to replace historic barn which was recently destroyed by fire. Granted with certain condition including the creation of a tree protection plan. | 15/01771/HSE |
| Mundy Cottage Star Lane |
Granted 4/6/2015 |
Erection of single and two storey extensions. | 15/01166/HSE |
| Land Andover Road |
Granted 10/2/2016 |
Application for 2 new houses on open land opposite Rutherford Close, i.e. between Fridays and 3 Flexford Close. Refused by the council in May 2015, this was granted on appeal. | 15/00583/HSE |
| Kinnersley House Westridge |
Granted 7/4/2015 |
The conversion of part of existing garage into ancillary residential accommodation. Conditions include "must not be, sold, sub-let or used for business" | 15/00308/HSE |
| Hillside Andover Road |
Granted 19/3/2015 |
Erection of single storey rear extension. Revised plans for approved application 14/03493/HSE (see below) | 15/00264/HSE |
| Strathcona Wash water |
Granted 17/3/2015 |
Erection of single storey front extension. | 15/00201/HSE |
| Chestnuts Wash water |
Withdrawn 13/2/2015 |
Application to build 5 houses on Curridge Car Sales site after demolition of existing workshop. This is an updated application showing how revisions address the reasons for refusal on appeal of earlier application 14/01354/FUL (see below). | 14/03828/FUL |
| Hillside Andover Road |
Granted 19/11/2014 |
Erection of single storey rear extension. | 14/03493/HSE |
| Pinelands Penwood |
Withdrawn 8/12/2014 |
Erection of prefabricated garage to front of property. | 14/03076/HSE |
| Rosebank Andover Road |
Refused 20/1/2015 |
Erection of two storey side extension. Refused due to excessive width of extension. | 14/03004/HSE |
For 2015 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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