Planning Decisions: Pubs, Homes, and Historic Repairs

From repairs at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to binfield pub changes, planning officers in Bracknell and Wokingham have made several decisions this week.

Jack O'Newbury pub extension refused

Bracknell Forest Council refused retrospective plans for extensions already built at the Jack O'Newbury pub in Binfield. The works included a larger side extension, a new kitchen extension, a redesigned entrance porch and external changes such as oak cladding and rendering. The refusal was issued on September 25.

Biodiversity sign-off at former Skimped Hill Heath Centre site

Planning officers approved a document confirming biodiversity enhancement measures required by planning permission 24/00249/FUL for land next to Skimped Hill Heath Centre. The council signed this off on September 21, meaning the developer has met that planning condition.

Garden room refused on new-build estate

A Finchampstead homeowner was refused a lawful development certificate for a 5m by 4m garden room at a property on Elm Park Drive. Although such outbuildings would normally be permitted development, rights were removed for the 140-home estate in the original permission, so the certificate was refused. The owner would need to submit a full planning application to proceed.

Major Ascot care village plan refused

Bracknell Forest Council refused an outline application for a mixed-use development west of Locks Ride, Ascot, which included a care home, sheltered and supported housing, self-build and family homes, a community centre, shop and health centre. Officers listed 11 reasons, saying the scheme would encroach into the countryside, fail to respect the rural character, and had poor design and integration. They also flagged insufficient information on traffic, highway safety, biodiversity, tree protection and affordable housing, and questioned the need for retail and community uses outside town-centre locations. The decision was made under delegated powers; the applicant may appeal.

Historic Sandhurst academy building to get damp repairs

Listed building consent was granted for remedial works to tackle rising damp at the Old College building at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Approved on September 22, the work covers basements, exterior walls and surrounding surfaces and was submitted on behalf of the academy as repair and maintenance, not a change of use.

Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter