A lodge in a heritage setting
Popescroft Lodge on Popeswood Road in Binfield sits within the curtilage of a listed building, which means any extension is assessed for its effect on the setting and significance of the heritage asset as well as on its own design merits.
A discreet first floor extension
The proposal was a first floor front extension that adds a bedroom without increasing the building's footprint. The design repeats the existing render, window proportions and roof tiles exactly, so the addition reads as part of the original lodge rather than a later intervention. The roof of the extension ties into the existing roof form, and the overall height remains below the ridge.
Heritage review
Because of the listed setting, the application was reviewed by Bracknell Forest Council's Heritage Officer. The careful matching of materials and the modest scale of the extension meant the heritage advice was supportive, and the council approved the application in 2026 under reference PA/2026/0394.
After approval
Heritage approvals often come with conditions requiring samples or details of materials. We supported the client through the discharge of the conditions after approval, so building work could start without delay. The drawing package comprised proposed elevations, floor plans and roof plan.
Designing in a listed setting
When a building is in the curtilage of a listed building, the council must have special regard to preserving the listed building and its setting. That favours extensions that are modest, use matching materials and do not compete with the principal building. The first floor front extension at Popescroft Lodge was kept within the existing footprint and roofline for exactly that reason.
Materials and finishes
The render colour and texture, window frames and roof tiles were all matched to the existing lodge, and the eaves and window head heights follow the original. These details are what allow an addition to disappear into the original building.
Floor plans
The floor plans show the new bedroom at first floor and the reorganised landing.
Condition discharge
Approvals in heritage settings commonly require samples of materials before work begins. We prepared the information needed and submitted it to the council, so the conditions were discharged and the build could start.
A small but sensitive project
The project shows that even a modest extension needs careful design where heritage is involved, and that a well matched scheme can be supported by the council's heritage advisers.
