Contentious plans to build ‘unsightly’ new houses on a residential road in Sandhurst are set to be decided next week. 

The application proposes the construction of four three-bedroom homes and a new access on Richmond Road, following the demolition of the existing Breamar bungalow, which has received multiple objections from neighbours. 

Plans that received more than five objections must go before Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee. This application had 10 lodged against it and will, therefore, be decided on in next week’s meeting (September 15).  

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Despite being recommended for approval by the planning officer, residents have complained about a feared loss of privacy, increased traffic and noise, and overdevelopment. 

Mrs Lynn O’Guynn said the houses would “completely overlook” her and be able to see “straight into [the] kitchen”, which she called “totally unacceptable”. 

She also claims that the developers have already begun “removing trees and clearing the land”, questioning whether this should be done considering “a decision [has] yet to be made”. 

Lee Sawyer said the proposed development would be considered “unsightly from both a visual and audible perspective” and adding more properties “in such a confined area” would damage the streets aesthetics. 

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These sentiments have been echoed by Sandhurst Town Council, which recommends refusal of the application. It suggested the “cramped development” would be “out of keeping” with the existing pattern of development in the area and would be “detrimental” to neighbouring amenities. 

“The proposal involves the unsatisfactory piecemeal development of backland area, a double building line and an inconvenient substandard access,” it added. 

The proposal looks to build a pair of semi-detached three-bedroom homes to the front of the site – Plot 1 and Plot 2 – and another similar pair to the rear – Plot 3 and Plot 4. 

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The designs for Plots 1 and 2 show traditional two-storey houses with accommodation set over two floors. However, Plots 3 and 4 have the appearance of being two-storey builds except the accommodation is set over three floors – as they utilise the void within the roof space. 

The plans suggests increasing the number of parking spaces at the site from three to ten, however neighbour Catherine Eldridge said the allocated spaces are “not sufficient” for the properties and that would “encourage parking out onto Richmond Road”. 

Ms Elridge also points to a lack of allocated parking spaces for visitors in the proposals. 

The planning committee will determine the application next week.