Middle Wood, Hatch Lane, Chapel Road, Berkshire, RG7 6NY

the erection of a dwelling with associated parking and landscaping

Authority: West Berkshire District Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Minor Dwellings
Inspector: Worley E

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the proposed development on protected species, biodiversity and ancient woodland
Whether the dwelling would be commensurate with the needs of the enterprise, with regard to its size
The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, having specific regard to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

What decided it

The proposal would harm the adjoining ancient woodland and its biodiversity interests due to its proximity within the recommended buffer zone and the increased intensity of residential use, contrary to the Framework's requirement to refuse development resulting in loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats unless there are wholly exceptional reasons.

Framework references: 182

Plan policies cited: Policy C5, Policy CS17, Policy CS18, Policy ADPP1, Policy CS1, Policy C1, Policy ADPP5, Policy C3, Policy CS14, Policy CS19

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.

What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.

Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.

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