Cobbs in new attempt for indoor play barn

The news is the latest development in a long-running saga that ended in bitter disappointment for owners and management in September last year.
West Berkshire planners initially refused permission for the project in April 2011 despite widespread popular support.
A new proposal was tailored to comply with planners’ requirements but that, too, was rejected.
An appeal was then launched, which proved unsuccessful.
In his ruling Her Majesty’s Planning Inspector, Richard McCoy, stated: “The main issues are the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area which is located within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and whether the proposal would be suited to this location having regard to local policy on economic development in the rural area.”
However, he acknowledged the “widespread” public support for the proposal and a petition in support of the play barn containing hundreds of signatures.
Cobbs Farm Shop and Kitchen on the Bath Road is owned by Country Food and Dining Co Ltd, whose director is Tom Newey and executive chairman is David Bruce.
Mr Newey said this week: “Despite the bitterly disappointing result of our last efforts at securing planning permission for a play barn at Cobbs, we’ve decided to do it all again.
“We have taken time to really try to understand the reasons for the historical refusal and address them in this new application.”
He added: “One over-riding theme on the last application was a preference from the local authority to see us trying to integrate this proposed facility into the existing building and that is exactly what this application does.
“Our application focuses on a conversion of the existing upstairs space and a small extension to the side of the building that would be essential to provide a space that was practically workable for this type of facility.
“The extension has been designed with what we consider a very sensitive and stylish set of double gable ends on the first floor, with ground floor additional back of house space created below.”
Mr Newey went on: “The last application we made identified an acknowledged need for a facility like this locally and we hope that, should we be successful, this will enable local families to not have to drive to Newbury or Devizes to make use of another indoor play barn as well as dovetailing very well into the ethos of the farm shop and it’s values.”
The plans, which have been submitted to West Berkshire Council but are not yet on public display, include a roof mounted Solar PV installation of up to 50kw.