House in Berkshire village demolished for 10 homes

The project involves demolishing Larkfield, a five-bed house in Chavey Down Road, Winkfield Row, to create an access for 10 homes to be built on a field to its rear, in an example of a backland development.

The village falls under Bracknell Forest Council’s jurisdiction, with the plan to knock down Larkfield being refused the council’s planning department back in April 2021.

At the time, it was rejected by council planning officer Simon Roskilly who judged that the development would have ‘a harmful urbanising impact’ on Winkfield Row, would unduly put pressure on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area and failed to provide information about how drainage would be managed.

However, the developer Antler Homes successfully appealed to the government planning inspectorate, with inspector Stephen Wilkinson approving the development on June 6, 2022.

The field where the 10 homes will be built to the rear of the now demolished house called Larkfield in Winkfield Row. Credit Google Maps

Since then, the developer has been moving ahead with the plan for the development, which has been called ‘Eastcote’.

The Antler Homes website states: ”This a quiet enclave of just 10 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom detached homes. Village amenities including a traditional pub, farm shop and school, all within walking distance.

“World class shopping, eateries, bars and all the other facilities of Ascot, plus the world-famous racecourse are close by.

“Connections to London by road and rail are swift.

“Exclusive, quality homes. The natural world, a village community, superb connections, the perfect lifestyle.”

Eastcote will be made up of one three-bed and nine four-bed homes.

The site plan for the approved development to build 10 homes to the rear of Larkfield, a now demolished house in Chavey Down Road, Winkfield Row. Credit: Boyer Planning (Image: Boyer Planning)

A host of details about the development including access arrangements, drainage methods and a tree protection plan have all been approved by the council’s planning department.

Larkfield was demolished at some point last year, with Google Map imagery from May showing it as still standing.

The latest news is that Antler Homes has submitted plans for the external works for the development, which details how it will be surfaced, with both non permeable and permeable surfaces.

You can view the application by typing reference 23/00144/COND into the council’s planning portal.

Additionally, you can view the plan approved on appeal and associated details applications by using reference 20/00607/FUL.