Hot food takeaway at 14 Charnham Street, Hungerford

What was proposed

The application sought a hot food takeaway, extraction and ventilation equipment, external alterations and replacement of the existing shopfront.

“Change of Use of a Class E unit to a Hot Food Takeaway (Sui Generis), installation of extraction and ventilation equipment and external alterations. Charnham Street, Hungerford [name withheld], Pegasus Planning Group Ltd…”

“From 2021 the site has since operated as a public house (sui generis), this use is therefore not immune from enforcement and even were this to be the case is not regularised therefore the site is considered to remain within the previous Class A1 use, now constituting a lawful Class E use (formerly Class A1). A change of use application is therefore required to change the use from Class E to a hot food takeaway (Sui Generis). External alterations are proposed.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a detached two-storey commercial property with parking in Hungerford Conservation Area, near listed buildings and within the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.

“West Berkshire Council Western Area Planning Committee 22 nd October 2025 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.”

“Signage is also proposed above the shopfront, although specific details will be subject to a separate advertisement consent application. The application site lies within the settlement boundary of Hungerford, within Hungerford conservation area and within the North Wessex Downs National Designated Landscape (NWDNL, previously NWDAONB). Planning History 2.1 The table below outlines the relevant planning history of the application site.”

Officer report

Concerns from local people

Seven objectors raised concerns about insufficient parking, dangerous access, illegal parking, deliveries, noise, litter, residential impacts and competition with a nearby business.

“Public representations 4.2 Representations have been received from 8 contributors, 1 of which is neutral, and 7 of which object to the proposal. The full responses may be viewed with the application documents on the Council’s website, using the link at the start of this report. In summary, the following issues/points have been raised: Neutral/Comment No objection to the proposed change of use.”

“West Berkshire Council Western Area Planning Committee 22 nd October 2025 redundant and potentially harmful to local business. Noise and Litter • Evening disturbances: Concerns about noise from waiting customers and increased foot traffic. • Littering: Potential for rubbish (e.g., cigarette ends, cans) despite bin provision. Residential Impact • Unauthorised parking: Previous similar use led to illegal parking in residential areas, blocking emergency access.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A town council representative, objector, agent and ward member addressed the committee, with differing views on parking, access, visibility and operating arrangements.

The decision and conditions

The Development Manager was authorised to grant permission, subject to the report conditions and requirements for parking, turning, refuse storage and access details.

“RESOLVED that the Development Manager be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the following conditions: The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. Reason: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004). 2.”

“The works shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved details. Reason: To ensure that the external materials respect the character and appearance of the area. This condition is applied in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies SP7 and DM28 of the West Berkshire Local Plan Review 2023- 2041, and Supplementary Planning Document Quality Design (June 2006). 9.”

Minutes