Planning
Reviewing and commenting on planning applications is a key ongoing task of the Society. A small planning subcommittee reviews plans as they are received from Basingstoke & Deane Council 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.
The sub-committee also reviews key planning documents on which the council consults. Currently, the Council is asking for views on the latest developments in the Local Development Framework. The Society is reviewing the framework and will respond as necessary, particularly on the need for sustainable development. Individuals can complete a questionnaire Focusing on our Future
Highclere Castle: Consultation on Enabling Development
In January 2009 the Council reported receiving 122 responses to its consultation. It noted:
"Many ideas have come forward from local people and these will be discussed with the owners of Highclere in due course. Officers at the council are now considering the responses, which have raised a range of issues."
The results with an amended policy proposal were discussed by the Environment Overview Committee in April, but a decision was deferred.
English Heritage gave their views in July, concluding that "there is a weight of probability in favour of enabling development being required to secure the 'legitimate objective' of retaining the integrity of the entity."
In July 2010 the Council decided that rather than it approving the enabling development policy, that the Estate should submit a justification and implementation framework.
You can find more detail (including a synopsis of the English heritage letter) on our Highclere Castle Enabling Development page.
Planning Applications
The following are a selection of current and recently decided planning applications that may be of interest to Society members. After a lull during the winter, there have been a flurry of applications to add extensions to existing properties. Comments are always welcome from Society members. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yew Tree Inn Andover Road |
Consultation 12/8/2010 |
Erection of a single storey rear extension and 1.8m high brick wall enclosing terrace area. | 72866 |
| Mount View Tubbs Lane |
Consultation 29/7/2010 |
Erection of part first floor and part single storey extensions, construction of new chimney, installation of dormer window and 9 rooflights. | 72922 |
| 14 Penwood Heights | Consultation 21/7/2010 |
Erection of a single storey extension to existing front porch and replacement of flat roof to porch with new pitched roof. | 72915 |
| Ashdown House Hollington |
Consultation 2/6/2010 |
Change of use of agricultural land to residential (and vice versa) and construction of a tennis court enclosed by a 2.4 metre high enclosure (retrospective). | 72581 |
| Edgewood Tubbs Lane |
Granted 16/7/2010 |
Erection of a two storey side extension, conversion of existing garage to living accommodation and erection of a single storey front extension. Granted subject to tree protection agreement. | 72592 |
| Wickets Tubbs Lane |
Granted 8/7/2010 |
Erection of a front porch and construction of first floor. Erection of a detached garage and creation of new access. Approved with some conditions regarding access splays, tree protection and planting along lane boundary. | 72228 |
| Sunnydene Westridge |
Granted 4/5/2010 |
Demolition of existing house. Erection of 3-bedroom detached house and separate garage. Granted with conditions, including tree protection plan. | 72115 |
| Yew Tree Inn Andover Road |
Refused 27/4/2010 |
Siting of a temporary portable building for office use. Reason for refusal: "The proposal would as a result of its location, design and appearance have a harmful impact on the character and visual appearance of this area of countryside and landscape." | 72008 |
| Boxhall Cottage Hollington Lane |
Granted 26/4/2010 |
Erection of a two storey extension, and other alterations. Granted following bat survey, mitigation factors and other conditions. "The proposal would preserve the architectural or historic interest of the locally listed building". | 72072 |
| Pirates Cottage Tubbs Lane |
Withdrawn 1/4/2010 |
Erection of a two storey front extension, raising roof and adding two dormer windows. | 71937 |
| Falconhurst Church Lane |
Granted 7/4/2010 |
Erection of a two storey extension, a rear extension and porch infill. | 71965 |
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. Some numbers are click-sensitive and will route you directly to the application on the Council's website (opens a new browser window)
Earlier applications and the results can be found in the planning application archive.
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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