Extract fan system at 1 Bartholomew Street, Newbury

What was proposed

The application sought permission to install an extract fan system on the rear elevation of the building.

“Installation of extract fan system to rear elevation 1 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, RG14 5LL [name withheld] 1 Extension of time agreed with applicant until 23.03.2026”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no planning history relevant to this application, although an earlier application concerned shop signage.

“West Berkshire Council Western Area Planning Committee 18.03.2026 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 the installation of an extract fan system to the rear elevation of 1 Bartholomew Street.”

“This includes Class E(b) sale of food and drink for consumption which is considered to be the current use and not materially different to the previous Class E(a) use for the display or retail sale of goods. Noise and odour impacts arising from the proposed extract fan system only, to support the existing use, are being considered, and not the use of the unit itself. Planning History 2.1 There is no planning history relevant to the present application. 3.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because mitigation would control noise and odour, while the café and nearby heritage assets would not suffer unacceptable harm.

“It would also be generally in- keeping with the existing modern features on the rear elevation such as downpipes and units. Accordingly, the Conservation Officer has raised no objection, commenting that the proposal would result in a small change in the setting of nearby heritage assets but not one that will harm their significance.”

“The Environmental Health Officer has commented that the reports are satisfactory, and the noise and odour impacts from the extract fan would be acceptable providing the recommended mitigation measures are in place, retained, and regularly maintained. Compliance with the mitigation and maintenance measures can be secured via condition, and it is also advised that a post-installation survey also be conditioned. 7.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The town council objected subject to environmental health concerns, while highways, drainage, environmental health and conservation concerns were addressed or raised no objection.

“The full responses may be viewed with the application documents on the Council’s website, using the link at the start of this report. Newbury Town Council Objection, subject to Environmental health concerns being addressed and not impacting on residents. Highways: No comments. Environmental Health: Initial objection addressed by amended plans and additional information. SuDS: No objections.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and the applicant addressed the committee, discussing existing nuisance concerns, maintenance, opening hours and the purpose of the system.

The committee’s decision

The committee voted to grant permission, subject to amended plans, commissioning-test verification and daily extraction hours from 8am to 8pm.

“Councillor Adrian Abbs proposed to accept officer’s recommendation and grant planning permission subject to the conditions listed in the main report and update report. This was seconded by Councillor Antony Amirtharaj 22. The Chairman invited Members of the Committee to vote on the proposal by Councillor Adrian Abbs, seconded by Councillor Antony Amirtharaj to grant planning permission. At the vote the motion was carried.”

Minutes