Western Lodge alterations at Western Lodge, West Woodhay, Newbury

What was proposed

The application proposed changes to Western Lodge and rebuilding the garage annex to create a more cohesive architectural design.

“Elevation adjustments, minor alterations to Western Lodge and rebuilding of the garage annex, to provide a cohesive architectural design to the whole building, now part of the broader Lake House Estate. Western Lodge West Woodhay RG20 0BH”

“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.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was considered acceptable in design, landscape, amenity, highway, ecology and sustainability terms.

“West Berkshire Council Western Area Planning Committee 18 th February 2026 6.18 The proposal has been assessed against the above metrics. It is considered that, given the separation between dwellings, there are limited negative impacts relating to loss of sunlight, overlooking or noise and disturbance. Comments have been received regarding external lighting.”

“Given the nature of the proposal, it is considered that there is little impact in terms of ecology, and the proposal accords with policy DM28 in this respect. Householder development is exempt from mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain; however some ecological enhancements have been included such as bat, bird and insect boxes as well as planting.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative, an objector and the agent addressed the committee.

Members’ debate

Members discussed the annex cladding, agricultural land, lighting, tree and gate lighting, the pond, and the track outside the application boundary.

“Members asked questions of clarification and were given the following responses: • The track to West Woodhay Road was outside the red line and subject to separate enforcement matters. Other lines on the plan were landscaping/mown tracks not requiring permission. An informative proposed on the update sheet clarified that nothing outside the red line was approved by this application.”

“Councillor Denise Gaines stated that while she thought the plans for the house and annex were positive, she was disappointed by the applicant's lack of consideration for local people regarding lighting in a dark sky area. However, on the basis of the plans being considered, he had no problems with the application itself. Councillor Howard Woollaston asked if lighting of trees and gates could be controlled.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

The conditions covered commencement, approved plans, materials, working hours, lighting, annex use and restrictions on further extensions or outbuildings.

“Materials The materials to be used in the development hereby permitted shall be as specified on the plans and/or the application forms. Where stated that materials shall match the existing, those materials shall match those on the existing development in colour, size and texture.”

“Lighting strategy (National Landscape) No external lighting shall be installed to the dwelling or outbuilding until a lighting strategy has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The strategy shall include a plan to show the location of any lighting, isolux contour diagram(s), an operation strategy (e.g.”

Officer report