An independent school has been forced to undo a recent construction project following revelations it had not asked for planning permission.

Brockhurst School near Bucklebury in Berkshire was forced to demolish a home built in its grounds. The school had initially built two bungalows as staff accommodation, before it was revealed it did not apply for permission.

One of the two buildings was saved through retrospective permission, which was applied for when the development was challenged by the council.

Permission for the other bungalow was declined. Noone from Brockhurst School has as yet commented on the matter.

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West Berkshire Council refused the retrospective planning application because it "considered that the proposed scheme failed to demonstrate a functional need for additional residential accommodation at the school".

Its report also found: "The buildings were not considered to be of architectural merit and were harmful to the character and quality of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty."

An enforcement notice was then handed to the school, demanding the removal of the two buildings. The school appealed and a planning inspector ruled that one would be allowed to remain.

A spokesperson for West Berkshire Council said: "The council has a duty to ensure that people follow the correct planning process and do not build wherever they like without the proper permissions.

"As part of this duty, they must enforce and sometimes order demolition if the rules are flouted."

The spokesperson added: "In this case, the school voluntarily demolished in order to comply with planning rules."

(IT/GK)