NEIGHBOURS in Streatley are warning against plans to demolish part of a Grade-II listed building as ‘unnecessary’ and ‘excessive’.

Plans to demolish a part of West Streatley House, on the High Street, have raised concerns also about traffic and where the builders would park.

A side extension to the house would be demolished, if the application gets planning permission, and a new extension built in its place. The extension is used as a utility room.

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West Streatley House is a Grade-II listed building and dates back to the late 18th century, according to Lucinda Pinhorne-Smy, a planning officer at West Berkshire Council.

She said the new extension would be the same size as the current one, but with designs and details more in keeping with the main house.

People living nearby wrote into the council objecting to the plans, 11 people sent letters explaining why they were against the plans.

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Gemma Jenkins said: “My husband and I are house owners on the High Street and value the appearance and protection of the many listed buildings on it.

“We understand the main motive is to provide access to the rear of the property. Access is not a valid reason to consent to the demolition of a listed building. Furthermore, the proposals presented to modify the property appear unnecessary and excessive.”

Concerns about extra traffic were also raised by another neighbour. John McGahan said: “My objection is that the significant amount of additional traffic that any building work will bring will exacerbate an already dire problem due to the lack of parking on the High Street.

“There is already an acute shortage of parking spaces on the High Street.”

Councillors on the eastern area planning committee at West Berkshire Council will consider the application at a public meeting on May 13. They will then vote on whether to grant planning permission.

The planning meeting is the first one to be held remotely, with a video conferencing app. The council will livestream the meeting for the public to watch on YouTube.

Other neighbours questioned whether it was necessary to demolish the current extension.

Fred Tomlin said: “If the applicant wishes to make the architectural style of the extension more in keeping with the main house, then they could do this by replacing windows only. Demolition is excessive.”

Ms Pinhorne-Smy recommended councillors grant planning permission.