Pub conversion and new house at The Four Horseshoes, Checkendon

Converting a pub and building a house

The applications sought full permission to convert a vacant public house into a dwelling, build a new one-and-a-half storey house, and secure listed building consent for the conversion works.

“Change of use of public house to a residential dwelling with new detached garage and erection of new one and a half storey dwelling. AMENDMENTS: Vehicular access for Plot 1 repositioned and landscaping adjusted as shown on amended plans and documents received 19th February 2025 and amended ecological information received 9th April 2025.”

“The first application was for full planning permission for the change of use of a vacant public house into a dwelling and the creation of a detached dwelling with carport and vehicular access. The second application was for listed building consent for the works required to facilitate the conversion of the listed building.”

Minutes

A listed building no longer viable as a pub

Officers found the pub no longer viable as a community facility, the conversion works would not harm the listed building, and the new house would cause only localised, less than substantial harm.

“Officers considered the listed building to be unviable as a community facility and conversion to residential use was acceptable in policy terms. The principle of development in relation to infilling with a new build dwelling was also supported by Local Plan policy H16.”

“The works to the listed building had been considered by the Council’s conservation officer who had determined that these works would not harm the significance of the building or the character and appearance of the conservation area. The conservation officer had further determined that the addition of the new build dwelling would result in some harm but this would be less than substantial with only a very localised impact.”

Minutes

Officers recommended approval

Officers found the new house in keeping with neighbouring buildings, with no harm to highway safety, and judged the public benefits outweighed the limited harm, recommending approval.

“The new build property proposed would be a significant change but would be positioned in a line of existing buildings and would be of a scale and design reflecting that of the other established dwellings. The relationship between the proposed plot and neighbours would be acceptable in terms of light, outlook and privacy.”

“The officers considered that the cumulative public benefits outweighed the low-level, less than substantial harm and was recommended for approval.”

Minutes

Parish council and an architect spoke

A councillor spoke for Checkendon Parish Council and an architect spoke in support of the application.

Members welcomed restoring the listed building

Members confirmed only two dwellings were proposed, welcomed the restoration of the listed building and its traditional materials, and felt that restoring the building was the most important factor.

“The committee requested clarification that only two dwellings would be built on the site and were informed that this application was only for the two properties: the new build and the conversion of the listed building.”

“The committee felt that the most important factor was the restoration of the listed building.”

Minutes

A motion to approve was moved

A motion to approve both applications was moved and seconded.

“A motion, moved and seconded, to approve planning applications P24/S3353/FUL &”

Minutes