Ten new homes planned in Enborne Street

Proposed development will see demolition of buildings on historical site

DEVELOPERS have submitted plans to demolish two buildings and construct 10 new homes at a site of historical significance in Wash Common.

The application, submitted by PRO Vision Planning & Design on behalf of Sir Richard Sutton Estates Ltd, seeks to convert the existing Grade II-listed farm buildings into five dwellings at Wash Common Farm in Enborne Street.

Two steel-framed barns and two cottages will be demolished to create room for three new terraced cottages and a further two new cottages fronting on to Enborne Street.

Each property will have a minimum of two car parking spaces and a new access from Enborne Street will be constructed.

According to the application, the existing agricultural buildings have been redundant since 2006 when owner Sir Richard Sutton Settled Estates decided to move away from cattle farming and focus on arable.

It is thought that the traditional farm buildings at the site date back to the late-18th century, and the developers are keen to preserve the look and character of the farm.

The application states that “where possible existing brickwork will be repaired and retained” while, where needed, “new brick walls will be constructed using an appropriate brick and detailed to match the existing brickwork”.

The applicant also states in the plans that any new buildings will be “sympathetic to the traditional barns without being a pastiche”.

The site is believed to be of historical importance, with the farm buildings thought to occupy the space where Royalist troops, led by King Charles, once stood against the Parliamentary army during the First Battle of Newbury, in 1643.

The battle went the way of the Parliamentarian force and many believe it led to the eventual Parliamentarian victory in the first English Civil War.

Considering the site’s historical significance, West Berkshire Council’s archeological officer, recommended that an investigation is written and agreed before any work is carried out to ensure any significant archaeological remains are adequately recorded.

Local historians have backed the development, with the Newbury Society commenting on the application: “We very much welcome this well thought through proposal to retain these historic buildings and at the same time provide high-quality residential accommodation in a delightful and sustainable site on the edge of town.”