West Berkshire Council approves new garage build at River Barn in Marlston

West Berkshire Council has approved an application in Bucklebury.

The application, submitted in May, sought permission to demolish existing outbuildings and to build a new garage with above storage and first floor accommodation within the roof slope at River Barn in Marlston.

The council approved the application on Thursday, August 31.

Concerns had been raised that the application had provided an incomplete flood risk assessment, with no details submitted regarding surface water drainage.

But while the case officer’s report acknowledged the incomplete FRA, it confirmed the drainage engineer agreed with the principle of moving the building away from the River Pang.

Bucklebury Parish Council objected to the proposed amendment to reduce the height of the garage by extending it to three bays, saying the length would now place the building closer to Brocks Lane.

It responded saying: “Brocks Lane has no other development on it apart from the agricultural barn opposite, which stands well back from the road.

“The extension to the very modest dwelling has already increased the massing of the site from Brocks Lane significantly and the garage building extends it still further.”

The case officer’s report acknowledged the parish council’s concerns but said the original front elevation was considered inappropriate within the countryside setting, and that the new design is more appropriate.

“The case officer and conservation officer agreed this was a better fit and the amendments were accepted,” read the report.

Neighbouring resident, Edward Woods, also supported the proposed size, design and materials of the building, saying “it will improve biodiversity by creating more open space next to the river”.

He also noted “the very high level of care and work from the applicants in restoring beautifully what was a very dilapidated site.”