Farmhouse extension ‘at odds’ with listed building

PLANNERS have refused permission for an extension to a historic, 17th-century farmhouse.

The applicants, Mr and Mrs Sunley, wanted to create the new structure at the Grade IIlisted Clapton Farmhouse pictured left, west of Station Road, Kintbury.

A design and access statement prepared on their behalf stated: “The aim in making the proposed alteration is to conserve the house as a family home for the 21st century.”

It promised a “high quality extension to the rear of the property”.

Kintbury Parish Council supported the bid, as did three members of the public who wrote to planners urging approval.

One supporting resident, Thomas Moody-Stuart, told planners: “The Sunley family plays an active and positive role in the local community (in particular during in the recent lockdown) and the fact that the extension renders the farm more suitable to their needs, and so more likely to remain, is in my view a factor in favour of approval.”

However, a planning officer’s report stated: “The special architectural and historic interest of the building derives from its considerable age, traditional form, scale as a modest cottage, together with the survival of historic fabric and the use of vernacular building techniques and materials.

“This special interest contributes to the building’s significance as a heritage asset.”

It concluded: “The extension would be at odds with the traditional character and form of the original building, and would represent an incongruous and unsympathetic addition which would harm the special character and significance of this Grade IIlisted building.”