West Berkshire Council planners refuse permission to extend historic Hungerford home

AN application to build a two-storey extension on an historic Hungerford home has been rejected.

The proposal was to create a two-storey, rear extension at the North Lodge in Hungerford Park.

A West Berkshire Council conservation officer stated: "The North Lodge at Hungerford Park dates to 1912 and was built by Humphrey Walmesley, the owner of Inglewood House and then later Hungerford Park.

"Although not listed it is of local historic and architectural interest, and I agree with [the archaeology department] that both the lodge and the parkland landscape in which it is located could be considered to be non-designated heritage assets.

"Together these structures form a characteristic feature of Kintbury and Hungerford's designed landscapes, I consider that the character and modest form of the original small lodge building would be compromised by the proposal."

A planning officer's report concluded: "It is considered that the development proposed is unacceptable as it would demonstrably harm the character and appearance of the existing dwelling and the visual amenity of its prominent and sensitive countryside setting within the NWDAONB (North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)."