A landowner has suffered a double defeat in his plan to build a new home next to a woodland at an estate in Tilehurst.
The developer had applied to build a three-bed home in Ogmore Close, next to Blundells Copse, a 13-acre ancient woodland.
Future occupants would have been able to make use of fresh living facilities and two parking spaces.
The Keen Partnership wrote: “This well-considered proposal introduces a sustainable three-bedroom dwelling ideally suited for family living.
“The design prioritises privacy for existing neighbours while offering ample living space and essential amenities.
“The exterior seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, echoing the style of neighbouring properties and complementing the beauty of the nearby woodlands.
“This development represents a positive contribution to the neighbourhood, fostering a harmonious connection between contemporary living and the natural environment.
“This project will not only meet the needs of a growing family but also contribute to meeting local housing demands.”
However, the application was rejected by Reading Borough Council’s planning department as unsuitable.
Planning officer Anthony Scoles wrote: “The development would result ultimately in harm to the character and appearance of the area by virtue of being at odds with the urban grain and urban structure of the area.
“The development would be cramped as viewed from the streetscene, and the frontage would be dominated by hardstanding to the detriment of the character and appearance of the area.
“The development would also, by virtue of its siting, fail to provide adequately private amenity space for future residents, and impinge upon the privacy of existing residents.
“Therefore, the modest benefits of the proposal do not outweigh the substantial harm identified.”
The applicant appealed to the government’s planning inspectorate to get the decision overturned, but the inspector dismissed the appeal on May 21.
The defeat of the project was discussed at the last meeting of the planning applications committee.
Planning officer Richard Eatough said the inspector agreed with the council’s reasons for refusal, that it would be an ‘inconsistent pattern of development’ and cause harm to the special character of Blundells Copse.
Councillor James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) said: “As soon as this became a valid application, I did contact the case officer to express my concerns, for very much the same reasons that it was ultimately refused.
“So I’m A) very pleased that it was refused in the first place, and I’m very pleased the inspector upheld virtually all of the reasons for refusal.”
“That’s a really good gain for us, especially Blundells Copse, it’s a lovely little copse, that and Lousehill Copse are wonderful little areas of woodland in Tilehurst that are quite unique.”
You can view the refused application by typing reference PL/24/0660 into the council’s planning portal.
