Decisions

Proposal:  Outline planning application for Phase 2 of the Thames Valley Science Park comprising up to 57,110 sqm research and development and innovation floor space (with occupancy restricted by a Gateway policy) inclusive of up to 5,711 sqm of amenity and supporting uses and an energy centre (all matters reserved except access to the site).

Applicant:  University of Reading

TheCommittee receivedand revieweda reportabout thisapplication, setout inAgenda pages 91to 120. 

TheCommittee wasadvised thatthe Members'Update included:

·         Proposed wording for Condition 26 relating to the Ecological Strategy report;

·         Proposed amendment to Condition 27, and

·         Clarification regarding a Consultation Response from Reading Borough Council.

Nick Paterson-Neild, agent, spoke on behalf of Reading University, explaining that the application before the Committee was the second of a master plan that had been submitted in 2010, outlining how it fitted into the whole and the positive impact it would have on the University and Wokingham.

In response to a Member question, the Service Manager, Highways Development Management, indicated that bus provision to the site would expand as the site was developed out alongside the South of the M4 SDL, which has an associated Public Transport Strategy which is secured and funded. 

In response to Member questions, the Case Officer stated that a detailed landscaping plan would be part of an application relating to the carparks.  He explained that there was allowance in the plan for cafes and crèches and similar enterprises that were an integral part of the site.  He clarified that the decision on the application was in the purview of Wokingham Borough Council alone but that the views of Reading Borough Council had been taken into account in the report.

RESOLVED:  that Application no 163609 be approved subject to the conditions set out in Agenda pages 91 to 120 and the amendments and clarifications as laid out in the Members’ Update.