2 self-build homes at Knightstone, Station Road, Goring

What was proposed

Converting a three-bedroom house into two two-bedroom self-build homes, with extensions, parking, landscaping and roof solar panels.

“Proposes sub-division of a detached 3 bedroom dwelling house, to create a pair of 2 bedroom self-build dwellings, an extension to create a first floor and roof alteration, a two storey forward extension, alteration to front for 3 car parking spaces, private garden amenity areas to rear, provision of cycle and bin storage, landscaping details with soakaway and 8 roof solar panels to rear.”

“The proposal was for a conversion of a 3-bed house into two 2-bedroom houses with extensions, three car parking spaces, private garden amenity area, provision of cycle and bin storage, landscaping and roof solar panels to the rear.”

Minutes

What consultees found

The Heritage Officer wanted roof lights kept to the rear under the new conservation area appraisal; other consultees raised no objection subject to conditions.

“Since publication of the report additional comments had been received from the Heritage Officer. Roof lights should be in line with the Thames Conservation Area appraisal which was adopted on 16 January 2026 and indicates that roof lights should be located to the rear of roof slopes.”

“Goring Parish Council had raised objections relating to inadequate parking and turning area. There was no objection to the design and scale. No objections relating to ecology, archaeology, drainage and land contamination, all subject to conditions.”

Minutes

Local objections

The parish council objected over parking and turning, and members of the public raised concerns about overdevelopment and fit with the street.

“Two responses from members of the public raised concerns over lack of parking provisions for residents and visitors, overdevelopment of the site and being out of keeping with the other properties on the street.”

Minutes

What officers recommended

Officers assessed the character, conservation area and landscape impacts and recommended approval subject to conditions.

“Officers had assessed the key considerations around character and appearance, impact on the conservation area and the Chiltern National Landscape, and officers recommended the application for approval subject to conditions.”

Minutes

Who spoke

A parish council representative and a supporter spoke on the application.

What members debated

Members discussed the roof lights, parking capacity, and whether the development could genuinely be called self-build given the Community Infrastructure Levy exemption.

“A member asked that given the applicant was willing to remove the front roof lights, why had the application come to the Planning Committee. The members were advised that there had been an overlap between the publication of the agenda and the conservation area appraisal being adopted. The officer advised that in their assessment the roof lights should be kept in order to provide adequate light for the occupants.”

“A member asked if the application was liable for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and was advised that as the proposal was for a self-build development it would be exempt from CIL. The member queried how the development could be termed self-build as the applicant would only be able to live in one of the properties and was advised that it would be a matter for the CIL officer to assess and was not a planning concern.”

Minutes

What was decided

The committee approved the application, adding a condition requiring the roof lights to comply with the conservation area.

“A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application, with an additional condition that the roof lights comply with the conservation area, was carried on being put to the vote.”

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application P25/S3164/FUL subject to the following conditions: Commencement 3 years – Full Planning Permission 2. Approved plans * 3. Joinery Details 4. Schedule of Materials 5. SAP Design and As Built Confirmation 6. Turning Area & Car Parking 7. Cycle Parking (approved plans) * 8. Integrated Biodiversity Enhancements (prior to slab level) 9. Ecology Features – External Lighting 10. Noise Assessment and control 11.”

Minutes