It’s a no for a triple garage in Aldermaston

Permission for a three-bay, oak-framed garage a few metres away from a Grade II-listed church lodge in Aldermaston have been refused.

West Berkshire Council’s planners said the proposed outbuilding by the virtue of its siting would harm the trees within the application site.

Therefore, given the trees on site positively contribute to the character and appearance of the Grade II Registered Park and Garden and the setting of the Grade II-listed building, the scheme would cause harm to the significance of the Registered Park and Garden and the setting of the listed building.

The owners of the lodge wanted a big garage, and wrote to the council explaining why:

“We acquired the property in 2020 and embarked on a complete renovation and extension project to transform it into a comfortable family home,” wrote James Leonard.

“Before our purchase, Church Lodge had been left in an uninhabitable, derelict state for over a decade and required extensive restoration work. We added an extra bedroom and expanded the kitchen to create more living space.

“Having lived in the property for just over a year, we thoroughly enjoy our surroundings but feel that the current living space doesn't entirely meet our needs as a family home.

“We believe that some further alterations could enhance the property, providing a better flow.

“We require a garage for parking and storage, which will also serve as a home office for our business.”

But the council was having none of it, and also rejected the plan adding that the land the garage is proposed to sit on is outside of the previously established residential curtilage, and that no certificate of lawfulness has been applied for seeking to establish that this land would form part of the lawful residential curtilage of the site.