Planning
The Society has a small planning subcommittee that reviews planning applications 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 and responds to consultations. Some key activities in which the Society will or has participated include:
- Addressing the impact of the government's National Planning Policy Framework. One option is for the Society to work with the Parish Council on a Neighbourhood Plan.
- 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. This situation is ongoing - see our Highclere Castle Enabling Development page.
- Reviewing and submitting comments on the evolving documents that will constitute Basingstoke & Deane's Local Development Framework. Individuals can complete a questionnaire Focusing on our Future.
- Developing in 2002 of 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. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Police House Penwood |
Refused 16/12/2011 |
Demolition of existing detached garage and erection of a two storey side extension including 'Granny Annexe' on the ground floor. Erection of attached garage. Reason for refusal: overdevelopment of site. | 75237 |
| East Cottage Treasure Hill |
Granted 11/11/2011 |
Amended resubmission of 74669 below - erection of a first floor rear extension; construction of a pitched roof 3 rooflights. Alterations to windows and doors. | 75152 |
| Highclere Village Hall | Granted 16/9/2011 |
Installation of 24 photovoltaic solar panels on roof of the south elevation of hall. | 74849 |
| East Cottage Treasure Hill |
Refused 26/8/2011 |
Erection of a first floor rear extension; construction of a pitched roof 3 rooflights. Alterations to windows and doors. Refused since standard of design would be harmful to the appearance of the host dwelling; also detrimental to amenities of adjoining property. | 74669 |
| 1 Old School Cottages Highclere Park |
Granted 10/8/2011 |
Alterations to existing detached garage and construction of external staircase to first floor home office. Garage must not be converted for residential use or used for business purposes. | 74607 |
| The Bakehouse Treasure Hill |
Granted 22/7/2011 |
Erection of a detached garage | 74502 |
| Hill House Bartletts Down Lane |
Granted 31/5/2011 |
Erection of an animal shelter/store. Granted - use must be for agricultural purposes only | 73915 |
| Highclere Castle | Granted 4/11/2011 |
Change of use of former stable and garage space to tearooms. Granted - providing 70 places for visitors to 'Downton Abbey'! | 74155 |
| Woodedge Farm Wash Water |
Granted 15/4/2011 |
Erection of an agricultural building. | 74062 |
| Wickets Tubbs Lane |
Granted 3/3/2011 |
Demolition of existing garage and utility area and erection of a two storey side and single storey front and rear extensions. Conditions of approval include making provision for turning within the site and no gates on the front access. | 73662 |
| 1 Old School Cottages Highclere Park |
Refused 8/2/2011 |
Alterations to existing detached garage to provide first floor guest accommodation / playroom. Refused since alterations "would be tantamount to a separate unit of accommodation in this area of countryside, where new dwellings should be strictly controlled". | 73517 |
| 85 Penwood Heights | Refused 2/2/2011 |
Demolition of existing garage, erection of a part two-storey, part single storey side extension and replacement porch. Refused since it would be too close to neighbouring property and out of keeping with surroundings. | 73599 |
| Mount View Tubbs Lane |
Granted 17/1/2011 |
Erection of part first floor and part single storey extensions, construction of new chimney and installation of rooflights. Granted with conditions re details and materials. | 73561 |
| 7 Mount Close | Granted 8/12/2010 |
Erection of a two storey rear extension and installation of first floor window to side elevation. Some conditions. | 73336 |
| Penwood Nurseries | Granted 24/2/2011 |
Erection of new dwelling with agricultural tie, erection of double garage. Granted with many conditions, e.g. access, removal of spoil; also Section 106 contribution. | 73142 |
For 2010 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. Some 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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