Coombesbury Farmhouse Ownham Boxford Newbury RG20 8DE

1. 1.Impact to Non-Designated Heritage Asset The proposed development, by reason of its scale, bulk, design and layout, would fail to preserve the character, appearance and significance of the host dwelling, which is identified as a non-designated heritage asset. The cumulative effect of the two-storey and single- storey extensions would result in an over-dominant and poorly integrated form of development that erodes the historic plan form, including the loss of the traditional yard arrangement and the legibility of the building's original agricultural function. The proposals would also lead to harmful alterations to the historic internal layout and spatial relationships, undermining the evidential and architectural interest of the building. The development therefore fails to demonstrate a sympathetic, high-quality design that responds positively to the asset and its setting, and would harm its significance. As such, the proposal is contrary to the NPPF, Policies SP7 and SP9 of the Local Plan, Policy DM11, and Policy DM28, which require development to conserve the historic and architectural interest of existing dwellings and to protect heritage assets in a manner proportionate to their significance.
2. 2.Climate Change Policy SP5 of the West Berkshire Local Plan Review 2023-2041requires that the principles of climate change mitigation and adaptation are embedded into new development. The application is not supported by a Sustainability Statement and as such the application fails to demonstrate how these principles have been designed into the scheme. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies SP5 and DM4 of the West Berkshire Local Plan Review 2023- 2041 and the guidance within the National Planning Policy Framework.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

RG20 8DE

Date validated

10 February 2026