An appeal to convert a Thatcham house into a counselling service was dismissed due to concerns over access, parking, and road safety.
STATS (Hampshire) Limited made the move to build a flat on the ground floor at 55 Chapel Street’s west side. Six rooms would fit one therapist and a client for sessions planned between 9 AM and 8 PM each weekday.
The local council said no to the project, leading STATS to appeal that decision. They argued ample room existed inside and parking met standards for proposed uses, with no highway safety issues.
The planning inspector acknowledged a high demand for counselling services in the area. Still, the inspector worried about the impact on access and raised concerns about parking and highway safety.
The proposal could help economic growth and boost health and wellbeing. Furthermore, the site offered alternative transportation and would efficiently use some land.
However, development needs safe access and should limit conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The inspector thought access was unfit, significantly increasing potential traffic conflict, which went against policies.