An independent Berkshire school has been forced to demolish a dwelling built in its grounds without planning permission for reasons including that ‘the buildings were not considered to be of architectural merit and were harmful to the character and quality of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.
Brockhurst School, near Bucklebury, built two bungalows for staff accommodation but did not apply for permission from West Berkshire District Council.
When challenged by the council the school sought retrospective permission, which was initially declined, but granted for one building on appeal.
The West Berkshire District Council news release states:
The Council has a duty to ensure that people follow the correct planning process and do not build wherever they like without the proper permissions. As part of this duty, they must enforce and sometimes order demolition if the rules are flouted. In this case, the school voluntarily demolished in order to comply with planning rules.
Two bungalow style houses were built as staff accommodation, without applying for or gaining planning permission. When the Council brought the matter to the attention of the School a retrospective planning application was submitted. This was subsequently refused as the Council considered that the proposed scheme failed to demonstrate a functional need for additional residential accommodation at the school.
Also, the buildings were not considered to be of architectural merit and were harmful to the character and quality of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. An Enforcement Notice was subsequently issued requiring the removal of the two properties.
The School appealed against the Enforcement Notice and the Planning Inspector determined that one of the bungalows should be demolished. Demolition of the unauthorised building took place earlier this month in accordance with the Inspector’s requirements.
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