Crowthorne and Sandhurst

A Government Inspector has upheld the decision by Bracknell Forest Borough Council to refuse planning permission for a development of two-bedroom flats in Duke’s Ride, Crowthorne.

George Wimpey West and Princegate Estates initially applied to build 28 flats, and then two schemes with 27 flats, on land occupied by numbers 125 and 131 Duke’s Ride, Crowthorne - between March and September 2005.

All three planning applications were considered unacceptable and rejected by Crowthorne Council planning officers because the proposed development would:

* Harm the environment for surrounding homes;

* Was not in keeping with the appearance of the surrounding area;

* It did not meet borough planning policies.

In her response Government Inspector Gyllian Grindey agreed with the Crowthorne Council that all schemes would ‘degrade the present pleasant residential area’, were obtrusive and out of keeping with existing developments.

The Inspector also felt the development would harm the living conditions of residents neighbouring the site.

Concerns surrounding the development’s location - within 5km of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) - were not concluded as the Inspector dismissed the appeal on planning merits and therefore did not need to deal with the SPA issue.

Steve Loudoun, Assistant Director of Environment and Leisure, said: "The Council was always of the opinion that the proposed developments were contrary to its planning policies and if permitted would result in a development which would be too large and out of keeping for this part of Crowthorne. The developer also failed to come forward with mitigation measures to deal with the SPA issues.

"We are delighted the inspector has supported our view and hopefully this will be seen by other developers as a signal that the Council’s planning policies are to be respected."

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning and the Environment, said: "The Council is committed to protecting the character and individuality of Crowthorne, and has devoted time and resources to the planning appeal.

"I am glad the inspector has listened to us on this occasion."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council ~ Crowthorne