Appeal under way against West Berkshire Council over refused Upper Basildon development

An appeal has been made to the secretary of state against West Berkshire Council in Upper Basildon.

The council refused a proposal to construct a detached dwelling with a carport and associated landscaping on land adjacent to Knappswood Cottage, Upper Basildon, in December.

Anderson Orr started the appeal last Monday (July 17), which will be determined on the basis of written representations.

West Berkshire Council refused the original application on the grounds it was harmful to the rural character of the area and due to insufficient information on whether an adequate drainage scheme could be achieved.

The highways team raised no issues, but Basildon Parish Council also objected stating the proposal will sit outside of the settlement boundary.

Residents echoed its comments, with one writing: “This application is for a site outside the Upper Basildon village envelope and would set a precedent for many other sites on the edges of the village if it were to be permitted.”

The tree officer from WBC’s environment department also raised concerns surrounding the “unacceptable threat” to the sustainability of trees in the local landscape.

Please visit https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk to make comments or to modify/withdraw previous representations.

Or send your comments to: Simon Dunn, The Planning Inspectorate, 3C Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN, east1@planninginspectorate.gov.uk quoting the appeal reference: g.

All representations must be received by August 21.