Royal Berkshire Shooting School, Tomb Farm, Ashampstead, RG8 8SD

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the setting of the Grade II listed buildings comprising Tomb Farmhouse and Nobes Tomb
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of neighbouring properties in respect of noise
• whether or not the proposed development would promote sustainable transport choices and / or lead to highways safety implications
• whether the proposal would conserve and enhance the natural and scenic beauty of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape (NWDNL), and if it does not, whether any harm is outweighed by exceptional circumstances, and it can be demonstrated that the proposal is in the public interest

What decided it

The cumulative harm to the setting of Grade II listed buildings, unacceptable noise impacts from the additional shooting valley, unacceptable highways safety implications from increased traffic on unsuitable rural roads, and failure to conserve and enhance the North Wessex Downs National Landscape without exceptional circumstances or public interest justification, collectively outweighed the modest economic benefits of the proposal.