Council refuses proposed Bucklebury stable conversion

West Berkshire Council has refused a stable conversion into a residential dwelling.

A Bucklebury couple applied for planning permission in April to convert a timber-framed stable into a single, two-bedroom dwelling with two parking spaces and a garden area at Westfield Stables, in Tylers Lane.

But the district council refused the proposal on Thursday, September 28, saying the proposed development is not considered to be redundant in use and would have an adverse impact on the rural character of the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The case officer’s report said: “The building could still be used as stables for horses and it is not considered to be redundant just because the applicants have purchased the unit without the intention of using the stables for the intended purpose.”

It continued: “The development is likely to result in a subsequent request for a replacement building to serve the area to the north of the site, which is still in equestrian use.

“The proposed development is considered to have an adverse impact on the rural character of the area due to the creation of a residential curtilage around the dwelling.”