A developer has launched an appeal after plans to build four large houses next to Barkham Manor were rejected.

Wokingham Borough Council refused to grant planning permission for the detached four-bedroom homes in July 2020, but the developer has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

A council planning officer said the development would “result in excessive encroachment of the countryside” and “have a negative impact” on the Grade II listed Barkham Manor and its picturesque grounds.

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In a report, the officer wrote: “The proposal would be alien to the established grain of development that would have a detrimental urbanising impact on the verdant landscape and the character and visual appearance of the area.”

He also said the developer had failed to provide an acceptable drainage strategy and offer an appropriate affordable housing contribution of at least £175,342.

Bracknell News: A map of the site earmarked for the development A map of the site earmarked for the development

Barkham Parish Council and 12 people who live near the site, which is just off Barkham Road, objected to the plans before they were rejected.

In the original plans, the developer said the project would provide high-quality homes “without an adverse effect” on the 17th century manor house and the rural area.

A heritage assessment submitted with the planning application states it would be “a small-scale development” that would not “erode the heritage values of the listed building”.

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It adds: “It is a semi-secluded plot of land which is separated physically and visually from the grounds of the listed building by tall, dense all year-round vegetation cover and the access road to Barkham Manor farm.”

The appeal is still being considered but the Planning Inspectorate has not set a decision date yet.