Community hub plan for garage approved

PLANS to convert a former vehicle repair garage in Binfield Heath have been approved.

The Forge and its accompanying annexe will be converted into a community hub to provide meeting and working spaces, toilets, a kitchen and storage space for the parish council.

The building is owned by a trust and its aim is to bring the vacant building into use while preserving its historic character and also upgrading its thermal performance to modern standards.

There will also be space for up to six vehicles, including a disability space and six cycle spaces.

Tom Wyatt, principal planning officer at South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, said: “The proposal complies with the relevant development plan policies and national planning guidance.

“The proposed use of the building, its refurbishment and extension are acceptable in principle. Subject to conditions, there would be no overriding adverse impacts upon the character and amenity of the area, highway safety or the local environment.”

The majority of written comments submitted to the council by neighbours were in favour of the development, citing the proposed benefits to the community and the preservation of an historic building.

The Piercey family, who live in Binfield Heath, said: “It will preserve both the historic forge and the adjacent dwelling — two historic buildings which lie at the heart of the village.

“The modest size of the forge will make it appropriate only for low-key local community activities and, as such, it represents a very neighbourly development for the benefit of everyone in Binfield Heath.

“The design has obviously striven to preserve as many of the features of the old building as possible, while providing flexible interior space for the use of small groups.

“It would be a great asset to the village, which currently relies on the scout hut for parish council meetings and other community events.” The forge is thought to have been built in 1878 but has been vacant since the Cotterill family, who ran a vehicle repair business there, left in 2021 after 57 years.

It was sold to an individual who placed it in the care of The Forge charity, which approached Oakleaf building surveyors to develop proposals and designs for the conversion.

After a public consultation that began in 2022, it was decided that the space should be converted to accommodate as many existing community interests as possible.

Before the development starts, a plan showing car parking spaces will be provided to the district council for approval.