West Berkshire Council planners reject 'unsympathetic' orangery at historic home

PLANS for an orangery at an historic village home have been branded "incongruous and unsympathetic".

The application for the extension was in respect of Tudor House, a Grade II-listed property in Station Road, Kintbury.

Kintbury Parish Council offered no objection.

But the district council's conservation officer stated: "This is a significant historic building of 16th- to 17th-century origins... I am of the opinion that the proposed extension would be an incongruous and unsympathetic addition which would harm the special character of this... building and fail to sustain and enhance its identified significance.

"The special architectural and historic interest of this building lies in its considerable age, presence of traditional building materials and techniques, vernacular form and detailing, and the important contribution it makes to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the setting of surrounding listed buildings."

A planning officer's report stated: "The council's conservation officer acknowledges that the extension has been designed to avoid any loss of or alteration to historic fabric, but considers that it would result in a contrived and awkward arrangement of roofs to the rear of this attractive listed cottage."