West Berkshire Council approves Grade-II listed coach house alterations in Ashampstead

West Berkshire Council has approved interior and exterior alterations to a Grade-II listed coach house in Ashampstead.

The council gave the nod on Thursday (July 13) to convert an old coach house, already in residential use and sited near Blorenge House, to create one ground floor sitting room, one first floor bedroom and associated en-suite, a new staircase, new windows in existing openings and the installation of flue (smoke duct).

The conservation officer said the proposed flue would be a “detracting feature” which would “harm the character of this listed building”.

The highways department also suggested adding an electric vehicle charging point.

But the planning case officer determined the proposal would not cause any harm to the building’s character or the surrounding area of outstanding natural beauty, and recommended the application for conditional approval.