New Bracknell homes rejected in latest planning decisions

In Bracknell, a plan to replace a garage with one new building containing two homes in the Priestwood area was rejected.

A homeowner was allowed to increase the height of an extension to their large house in a new estate in Ascot.

Meanwhile, in Finchampstead, two plans that were submitted after work had begun on the proposed developments were approved.

These applications were decided at planning committee meetings this month.

Bracknell Forest Council’s held its meeting on Thursday, January 19, with Wokingham Borough having its one on Wednesday, January 11.

You can view these applications by typing their references into the relevant council’s planning portal.

Refusal of two semi-detached homes in Priestwood (22/00548/FUL)

The site plan for the proposal to build two semi-detached homes at 20 Honeyhill Road, Bracknell. Credit: Paul Edwards Architecture

Here, developer Michael Griggs applied to demolish garages and replace them with one new building containing two semi-detached, three bedroom houses at 20 Honeyhill Road.

Although planning officers recommended approval, councillor Jennie Green (Conservative, Priestwood and Garth) submitted an alternative motion to reject it.

Cllr Green said: “The two homes that are proposed to be built there are going to be very small.”

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She went on to criticise the design of windows and doors, which she said would be “completely out of character” with the neighbourhood.

Ultimately, the committee voted to reject the application.

Increase of height for ‘orangery’ at home (22/00778/FUL)

16 Kingswood in Ascot. Credit: Bracknell Forest Council / Youtube

Homeowner Bo Feng won approval to build an orangery at his house, 16 Kingswood, Ascot, a year ago in January 2022 under reference 21/00668/FUL.

However, he later changed his plan to increase the height of it by six inches (0.15 metres).

Floorplans show that the orangery would have a gym, as well as provide more living space.

The proposed floorplan for the orangery at 16 Kingswood, Ascot. Credit: Bracknell Forest Council

Although the application was approved, it did receive some opposition from members.

Michael Brossard (Conservative, Central Sandhurst) called it “genuinely unneighbourly”, raising concerns that the extension would be taller than neighbour’s fences, and cllr Dorothy Hayes MBE (Conservative, Ascot) expressed frustration at the adaptation to the approved plan.

Outbuilding for large home approved (Wokingham app 222138)

The outbuilding under construction at 6 Johnson Drive, Finchampstead. Credit: Wokingham Borough Council

Mr & Mrs Brant, the owners of 6 Johnson Drive, Finchampstead got builders to begin work on an outbuilding separate to the main house.

Once complete, it will provide a garden room study, fitness room and shower toilet for the owners.

READ MORE: Plan for homes to rear of 6 Johnson Drive, Finchampstead held up 

But in order to confirm the status of the new build, Mr & Mrs Brant applied for retrospective planning consent for it, which was duly approved.

However, the plan did receive opposition from Charles Margetts (Conservative, Finchampstead North) who voiced frustration that work had begun without consent and its status of being in the countryside.

Conversion of land to accommodate Gypsy pitch approved (Wokingham app 223021)

The mobile home established on the site west of Twin Oaks, Longwater Lane, Finchampstead. Credit: Wokingham Borough Council (Image: Wokingham Borough Council)

Here, Gabby Lee converted his land off Longwater Lane in Finchampstead from purely equestrian use to accommodate a Gypsy pitch containing a mobile home, caravan and a day room in an existing stable building.

Although the conversion of the land had already taken place, Mr Lee had to apply for restrospective planning consent from Wokingham Borough Council, which was approved.

The site plan for the mobile home Gypsy site west of Twin Oaks, Longwater Lane, Finchampstead. Credit: 3DR Architects

Planning officer Helen Maynard revealed that Mr Lee is living on the site himself with his family after becoming homeless.

Councillor David Cornish (Liberal Democrats, Finchampstead South) proposed a condition stating only Mr Lee’s family could use the site, which was approved.