Council considers Midgham barn development

West Berkshire Council is currently considering a substantial development at a village farm.

Rural Solutions applied on September 11 to connect two existing agricultural barns at Hallcourt Farm, Midgham Green to create a two-bedroomed and one-bedroomed rental and holiday accommodation.

The council refused the proposal in May, citing absent information on the structural condition of the barns and the adverse impact the development would have on the rural character of the local setting.

But the council said it is now more likely to permit the redevelopment, so long as the applicant can prove the current buildings are genuinely redundant and structurally sound, and will not involve substantial rebuilding, extension or alteration which could harm the visual amenity of the local area.

The applicant says the buildings would be built using local bricks, glazing and timber cladding to match the existing character of the current building and that parking would be provided on the existing hard-surfaced yard.

An assessment has also been carried out to determine the potential impact on any protected species.

The assessment, which involved a site visit in June, reported that “the target building, along with nearby farm buildings, are deemed to be of negligible potential for roosting bats and as such no further surveys will be required.”

Highways also requested an electric vehicle charging point be provided for each dwelling, providing a minimum of 7kw.

The council is expected to determine the proposal by November 23.