A PROPOSAL to build an environment-friendly and energy-efficient house has been thrown out because 'its design did not suit the English countryside'.

The application sought to build a two-storey house with associated outbuildings, access, and landscaping on land adjacent to Summerfield Hatt Common in East Woodhay.

According to the plans, the house was to be built with white render and timber cladding panels on the ground and first floor. The roof would have been grey tiles and solar panels proposed within the roof on all sides.

While a wind turbine was initially shown on the plans, this was later removed after consultation.

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However, East Woodhay Parish Council strongly objected to the plans saying it wouldn’t sit well within the location.

Although the planning officers gave a green light to the plans, it was brought to a borough council development control committee meeting on Wednesday, April 10, due to objections.

Borough councillors ultimately decided to refuse the proposal by ignoring the planning officers’ recommendations and siding with the parish council.

At the committee meeting, parish council member Rose Donahue said the visual impact of the “bright white very flat fronted building with grey roof tiles and solar panels on all sides of the roof” is inappropriate for the village.

“Our understanding is that this proposal originates from Poland. The design may well suit Polish architecture, but that does not mean it can be simply dropped into the English countryside with success,” she said.

Jamie Kyffin-Topp, a neighbour who spoke against the plans, said he was very surprised that the design was recommended for approval.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, agent Mike Cole said the council already granted a permission in principle for the house in May 2021.

He added that the plans were drawn based on discussions with the officers.

“We appreciate that there are concerns about the design and scale, however contrary to the parish council's comments, the neighbourhood plan design policies and the village design statement are referred to on a number of occasions in the planning statement,” he said.

The officers, who said there was no particular uniform style of design for houses in the same road, felt that the design was appropriate.

Debating, Cllr Nick Robinson said he did not find any reason to refuse the application.

He said: “I don't like the design, but designs are subjective. I really cannot see any reason to refuse it that would stand up to appeal." 

Cllr Mike Bound said the design of the house certainly “helps in terms of energy saving”.

However, their proposal to approve the plans did not get enough votes from their fellow councillors.

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Later, Cllr Ken Rhatigan said the design did not fit with the neighbourhood plan.

“I do feel it has flaws in it - the idea that every piece of rooftop has to have a solar panel,” he said.

“I do not believe it fits both with the East Woody design neighbourhood plan or design of sustainability and our planning documents.”

He said visual impact, scale, and design is outside the neighbourhood plan, which was supported by Cllr Paul Miller.

Their proposal to refuse the application gained the majority of votes.