Planning officers at Wokingham borough council have refused to grant permission in principle for up to seven homes on land in Hurst.
Agents for Winchester-based developer Shorewood Homes had applied for permission in principle for the proposed erection of a maximum seven dwellings, including formation of an access from Broadwater Lane, on land north of Broadwater Lane and West of Hogmoor Lane.
In rejecting the application, they said: ”The proposal, by virtue of its location, represents unacceptable unplanned development outside of development limits within the designated countryside which is contrary to the spatial objectives of the development plan.
“The proposal, by virtue of its location and amount of development, would fail to suitably assimilate into the established landscape and character of the surrounding area, and would fail to retain and enhance the traditional, historical, local and special character of the Hurst village centre area of Special Character.
“The proposal, by virtue of its location, would fail to conserve or enhance the setting of four designated heritage assets in the form of Grade II Listed buildings.”
A total of 89 comments objecting to the plans were received during the consultation, which ended on March 7, 2026. Just one was supporting the application, and said: “The proposal seems reasonable and will expand the number of homes in the area.”
Similar applications were also refused in 1998 and 2024.
