Bucks planning round-up: possible 9-metre phone pole near Taplow Lake

Here are the latest, most significant planning applications and decisions in South Bucks.

To see all documents, enter their reference numbers into Buckinghamshire’s planning portal at publicaccess.buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Acknowledged: BT has notified the council of 9m pole to carry broadband cables near Taplow Lake.

Telecoms operators have certain national rights to install infrastructure needed to build and maintain communications networks.

In this case, the company intends to place a single pole in the grass verge to support broadband apparatus near to Wey Lodge in Amerden Close.

The notification forms part of a process required when operators intend to rely on permitted development rights (PDR); national planning rules that allow some types of development to go ahead without needing full planning permission.

Telecoms equipment such as cabinets, poles and masts can often be installed under these rules, provided certain conditions are met.

As part of the process, BT asked whether any Article 4 directions apply – these are used by councils to remove PDR in a specific area.

If one were in place, the operator might need to apply for full planning permission, which give council more scope to say no.

No Article 4 direction affects the site in Amerden Close.

If the pole meets the PDR rules (for example, highway safety), BT can proceed without making a further planning application.

26/01571

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Pending: An application has been submitted to carry out repairs on the roof of a historic building in Burnham.

Meadowsweet, 16 Church Walk, forms part of a pair of mid-19th-century cottages at numbers 16 and 18 Church Walk, which are Grade II listed due to their architectural and historic interest.

The cottages were built in 1855, with date plaques still visible on their façades.

An inspection identified several defects affecting the structure and weatherproofing; the roof covering has damaged, missing and unsuitable tiles, as well as incorrect joins and historic damage in the timber structure.

Works would involve removing the existing roof coverings and replacing them with handmade clay tiles designed to match the original in colour and appearance. Historic details would be retained and reused wherever possible.

Repairs would be carried out using ‘sistering’ techniques, whereby new timbers are fixed alongside existing ones to strengthen the structure while keeping the historic material in place.

Additional improvements are also proposed to insulation and ventilation to reduce condensation and improve energy efficiency.

The intention is to retain original materials wherever possible and replace elements only where they are beyond repair.

Overall, the report concludes the proposals would have a neutral to minor beneficial impact on the listed building – as opposed to a harmful one – by preventing further deterioration and helping secure its long-term preservation.

26/00252