Loft conversion and rooflights at 3 Blake Road, Hermitage, Thatcham

What was proposed

The application proposed a loft conversion with three rooflights on the front and three on the rear of the roof.

“Loft conversion and insertion of rooflights. Blake Road Hermitage Thatcham RG18 9WN Mr and [name withheld] 1 Extension of time agreed with applicant until 21.08.2026”

“West Berkshire Council Western Area Planning Committee 19 th August 2026 1. Introduction 1.1 The purpose of this report is for the Committee to consider the proposed development against the policies of the development plan and the relevant material considerations, and to make a decision as to whether to approve or refuse the application. This application seeks planning permission for a loft conversion and insertion of rooflights.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

A garage conversion was approved, while an earlier certificate application for rooflights was refused because permitted development rights had been removed.

“Approved 27.01.2026 25/02699/CERTP Insertion of roof lights to convert attic space. Refused 08.01.2026”

“Application 25/02699/CERTP was an application for a lawful development certificate which seeks to confirm whether a proposed use of buildings or other land, or some operations proposed to be carried out in, on, over or under land, would be lawful for planning purposes under section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected, the highways authority raised no objection, and the tree officer had no objection subject to protection advice.

“West Berkshire Council Western Area Planning Committee 19 th August 2026 4. Consultation Statutory and non-statutory consultation 4.1 The table below summarises the consultation responses received during the consideration of the application. The full responses may be viewed with the application documents on the Council’s website, using the link at the start of this report. Parish Council: HPC response: - Objection.”

“Whilst only two spaces are provided, the parking requirement for the dwelling is unchanged. Although it would be preferable if a third space is provided, the LHA would be unable to object on these grounds. No highway objections.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The parish representative, two objectors, the applicant and a ward member addressed the committee, while a highways officer answered questions.

What members debated

Members debated parking pressure, the size increase, cumulative development and whether concerns about another approved scheme could be considered.

“Debate 14. Councillor Howard Woollaston opened the debate by noting that, taken in isolation, the proposal for six rooflights appeared relatively modest. However, he recognised that concerns remained regarding parking provision and the cumulative impact of development that had taken place or been approved at the property. Councillor Adrian Abbs expressed concern about the increase in the size of the dwelling that would result from the loft conversion.”

“He referred to the approved garage conversion scheme and questioned whether the parking spaces would be capable of being used comfortably in practice. He also noted that Hermitage was a location where many residents relied on private cars and therefore parking standards were particularly important. Despite those concerns, he acknowledged that the parking impacts identified might not be sufficient to sustain a refusal at appeal. 17.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Gaines proposed accepting the officer recommendation and granting permission, Councillor Woollaston seconded it, and the motion was carried.

“She further observed that had permitted development rights not previously been removed from the property, the rooflights may not have required a planning application at all. She therefore saw little justification for departing from the Officer’s recommendation. Councillor Paul Dick referred to comments made during the site visit regarding future building works and potential deviations from approved plans.”

Minutes

The decision

The Development Manager was authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions in the main and update reports.

“RESOLVED that the Development Manager be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions listed in the main report and update report.”

Minutes