Controversial plans to build a new house at the end of a cul-de-sac after demolishing a side extension have been approved by councillors

Neighbours worried that the new house on Coppice Green in Priestwood would create a ‘terraced’ effect out of keeping with the rest of the street. But members of Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee said the development would improve the area.

Initial plans were first submitted to Bracknell Forest Council in 2022. Writing to oppose the plans at the time one neighbour said the house would ‘force’ other homes to become terraces.

They said: “The proposed development would create & force other properties to become terraced housing, dramatically out of keeping with the appearance & design of the surrounding area.”

Another said: “The proposed development would create terraced housing, completely changing the appearance and character of Coppice Green.”

Objections also raised fears that the new home would increase the volume of traffic on the cul-de-sac, and make the road more dangerous for children on their way to Jock’s Lane recreation ground.

Some claimed that a hedgerow had already been demolished to make way for the development.

But council planning officers said that the proposal was in keeping with other house extensions and new homes in the area.

Planning officer Stephen Hurst told councillors: “There are numerous similar examples of two storey extensions as well as the creation of new dwellings within the vicinity of the site.

“Therefore this proposal is not considered dissimilar and provides sufficient space in which to create a new dwelling with adequate on site car, cycle parking and bin storage.”

Officers said that the hedgerow along Jock’s Lane remained ‘in situ.’ Conditions on the planning approval require the hedgerow to be maintained. And Mr Hurst said the development would provide two spaces for each home, resulting in a ‘betterment.’

Members of the planning committee agreed. Councillor Patrick Smith said: “I’m not usually a fan of residential infill.

“But actually I see very little to object to here. It’s quite a modest development, it makes very efficient use of the land, it’s sensitive to and in keeping with the existing properties, there are no issues with overlooking, it’s quite well shielded from other nearby properties.”

He added: “It’s quite nice to be approving an application that feels quite a positive enhancement to the local area.”

Councillor Gareth Barnard also agreed that the plan would ‘actually improve the amenity of the area.’

And councillor Sheila Collings noted that the committee had seen similar extensions when they visited the site. She said: “We saw in close proximity a dwelling that had been extended in a very similar manner. The precedent has been set whether it be an extension or a new property.”

The committee voted to approve the plans on Thursday June 13.