Planning Matters

We continue to monitor Wokingham DC planning applications and object to proposals that we believe would harm the village environment, and are contrary to the Village Design Statement and Wokingham DC policies.

One of these was at 1 Talbot Cottages on Forest Road where the applicant had applied for conversion of a garage into living space, and a small conservatory to his house. Together they would have increased the living space of the property by 263%. HVS felt that this was too much on a house in the countryside, outside the settlement boundaries, and it was contrary to WDC policies. However, in spite of objections from HVS, the Parish Council, Cllr Drake and neighbours, the WDC Development Control Committee approved the application.

We are also concerned about the revised plans for a new house at Walnut Tree Cottage on Wokingham Road, and have objected to the height and massing of the amended design, as well as a proposal to take a paddock field into the garden. Part of this site is in the countryside (outside the settlement) and part inside the settlement. This application is listed for the Development Control meeting on 21st September where HVS is likely to speak against it.

The appeal hearing for the ‘new’ entrance gate from Tape Lane into the field between Lodge Road and Tape Lane will be held on 20th September at WDC offices. HVS will be speaking at the appeal hearing.

In 2003, and without seeking planning permission, the applicant destroyed part of the hedge in Tape Lane and bulldozed the remaining hedge to create a splay before installing double five-bar gates set back from the road. This splay is immediately next to a veteran oak tree. HVS and Wokingham District Council agree that this work and the new entrance to the field is damaging the roots of the oak tree, which is of great value to the landscape and character in this part of Hurst.