The planning application at Mount Farm, Cookham Dean, was refused at the last planning panel.

This application has a complicated history and there were concerns that the initial report produced by RBWM’s planning officer contained unchecked statements and over-stated benefits, so it was withdrawn. The second report also contained inaccuracies that were challenged in the planning committe meeting.

Two important factors in determining that the application should be rejected were:
• Whether the buildings should be considered to be “previously-developed mixed-use storage” as opposed to agricultural buildings, and
• Whether “very special circumstances” regarding a rising talent rider should be taken into account.

Your councillors Mandy Brar and Mark Howard spoke against the application, as did the Parish Council and the Cookham Society, which provided compelling evidence.