Place of worship at Pound Court, Pound Street, Newbury

What was proposed

The application sought to change an office building from commercial use to a place of worship, without external alterations.

“West Berkshire Council Western Area Planning Committee 18 th February 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.”

“The application is proposing the changed of use of the building to a place of worship. No external alterations to the building are proposed. The parking area to the front of the building will have two spaces reserved for staff, the remainder of the area will be retained as a dop-off and collection areas. A cycle stand for 4 bicycles is also proposed. Planning History 2.1 The table below outlines the relevant planning history of the application site.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would provide community facilities and earlier noise and highway concerns had been addressed.

“West Berkshire Council Western Area Planning Committee 18 th February 2026 living conditions of residents, proposals will be supported where there is no unacceptable harm in terms of (amongst other things) noise. The previous application for a similar change of use (reference 17/00906/FUL) was refused, partly because inadequate information had been provided to properly assess the potential noise and disturbance arising from the proposed use.”

“The proposal will provide improved community facilities as supported by Policy DM39, and this is given weight in favour of the application. The proposal has neutral impact on the character and appearance of the area, and the setting of the adjacent listed buildings, and the Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A town council representative, an objector, a supporter and the agent addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The vote

Councillors voted on a proposal to accept the officer recommendation and grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“Councillor Dick 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 Foot 19. The Chairman invited Members of the Committee to vote on the proposal by Councillor Dick, seconded by Councillor Foot to grant planning permission. At the vote the motion was carried.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

The conditions cover the approved plans, parking layout, no external amplification and implementation of noise-control measures.

“Parking Notwithstanding the submitted plans, the change of use shall not commence until a parking plan (including marking out of spaces for drop-off and collection) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter the parking and turning spaces shall be kept available for parking and manoeuvring of vehicles at all times.”

“Reason: To ensure the development is provided with adequate parking facilities, in order to reduce the likelihood of roadside parking that would adversely affect road safety and the flow of traffic. This condition is applied in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework, and Policies SP19 and DM44 of the West Berkshire Local Plan Review 2023-2041. External Amplification No external amplification shall be installed on the building and/or within the site.”

Officer report