A clash is set over a resident’s plan to improve their home as a neighbour has complained about ‘cooking odours’ coming from the property and previous works.
A clash is brewing in Wokingham over a homeowner's plans for renovations, as a neighbour complains about 'cooking odours' and disruptions from past work.
The owner of a semi-detached home on Chiltern Crescent wants to expand their property by adding a porch, building side and rear extensions, and converting the loft, which would turn it from a three-bedroom to a five-bedroom home.
Located near the Shepherds Hill junction between Earley and Woodley, the homeowner's plans are facing scrutiny from an immediate neighbour, who is not happy about the impact of earlier works.
The neighbour voiced concerns in a complaint, stating that previous expansions exceeded submitted plans and created hazards, with deep water-filled trenches posing risks to children nearby. They also said the cooking odours from the home have infiltrated their own bedrooms and bathroom.
While the council's planning department usually handles projects like this, the extension plans have been escalated to the planning committee, prompted by councillor Stephen Newton from the Liberal Democrats.
In defence of the homeowner, planning officer Tariq Bailey-Biggs noted that cooking smells aren't relevant to planning decisions. He recommends the project's approval, stating that the changes would be appropriately scaled and designed, causing no unacceptable harm to neighbours.
Bailey-Biggs' report indicates that the development would avoid issues like overlooking or loss of light and maintain adequate parking and landscaping.
The planning committee is set to make a decision on the application on Wednesday, November 12. For details, visit Wokingham council's planning portal and search for reference 252161.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
