A clash is set over a resident’s plan to improve their home as a neighbour has complained about ‘cooking odours’ coming from the property and previous works.
The owner of a semi-detached home in Chiltern Crescent has applied to add a porch, build side and rear extensions to the property and do a loft conversion.
This would create a new kitchen for the family and add two bedrooms, changing it from a three-bed to a five-bed property.
The home is located near the Shepherds Hill junction, which is the meeting point of Earley and Woodley.
But their immediate neighbour has complained about the impact of previous works and cooking odours coming from the house, with a showdown set at Wokingham Borough Council to determine whether the extensions will be allowed.
The neighbour wrote: “Previous work carried out, a side extension, a back extension and a large drive exceeded the original plans submitted.
“I have documented these events, i.e a deep trench is left full of water, and as there is no boundary fence between his neighbours, small children next door could have drowned in it.
“The disruption was immense. Now he is not content with that.
“Building work should be carried out efficiently with builders causing little or no disruption to neighbours.
“They cook in the back room in hot fat, the smell travels up into our bedrooms and bathroom.”
Previous approved plans allowed the homeowner to convert the existing side extension into an annexe for a family member, with a rear extension creating a washroom.
The driveway has also been widened while retaining the front garden.
The project would usually be determined by the council’s planning department.
However, the extensions have been listed for the planning committee to decide by councillor Stephen Newton (Liberal Democrats, Maiden Erlegh & Whitegates).
In defence of the applicant, planning officer Tariq Bailey-Biggs stated that cooking odours are not a material planning consideration for the determination of the extensions plan.
Mr Bailey-Biggs has recommended that the plan for the extensions should be approved with conditions.
His report states: “The alterations and additions to the dwelling that are of an appropriate scale and design, which would not harm or detract from the character of the area.
“The proposed development would not result in any unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenity in terms of overlooking, loss of light, or overbearing effect.
“Adequate on-site parking provision would be retained, and landscaping enhancements are proposed to maintain and improve visual amenity.”
The project is due to be decided by the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, November 12.
You can view the application by typing reference 252161 into Wokingham council’s planning portal.
