Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional Approval subject to legal agreement and authorisation for the Head of Development Management to refuse planning permission in the event of a S106 agreement not being completed.

Proposal: Hybrid planning application in respect to:

1) Full planning application for a 15,628sqm research and storage facility (Sui Generis Use for the British Museum); 80parking spaces; landscaping and surface water drainage.

2) Outline planning application for up to 15,000sqm research and storage facility (Sui Generis Use for the British Museum) all maters reserved.

3) Demolition of two existing residential dwellings. 

Applicant: British Museum

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application as set out in agenda pages 13 to 76.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·         Various additions to approved plans and documents with regards to condition 3;

·         An alteration to the wording of recommendation A;

·         A replacement of condition 6;

·         A replacement of condition 8;

·         An update to the text of condition 14;

·         An amended timeframe for reviewing the community engagement with regards to condition 6;

·         Additional Ecology conditions;

·         An additional condition for Thames Water;

·         Additional informatives to the set;

·         Amendments to the alternative recommendation for refusal.

Jonathan Williams, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in favour of the application. He stated that the ‘Ark’ was a new partnership in conjunction with the University of Reading. He added that the primary function of the proposed facility would be to store artefacts and exhibits that were not currently on display at the British Museum. Jonathan stated that the proposed facility would open up the opportunity for research projects within the University of Reading. He added that the site was ideally placed with good motorway access routes and close proximity to Heathrow Airport which would allow for the transportation of artefacts around the world. Jonathan explained that the proposed facility would allow local school and communities to have access to view the artefacts by appointment.

Nick Paterson-Neild, agent, spoke in favour of the application. He stated that a globally significant collection of artefacts would be stored at the proposed facility, and that it would provide an essential site to that would allow for safe storage of the irreplaceable set of collections. Nick emphasised that the proposed site would open up various research opportunities in conjunction with the University of Reading and that it would allow for community engagement by appointment. Nick added that the proposed development would be adjacent to the Thames Valley Science Park and would raise the profile of the Borough and would help contribute to the Borough’s economic development.

Carl Doran queried whether there would be any changes to the usage of Cutbush Lane as a result of the proposed application, and whether the proposed site would have any road access to Cutbush Lane. Judy Kelly, Principal Highways Development Control Officer, stated that there would be a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) with regards to works on Cutbush Lane. She added that the main access route to the proposed development would be via the adjacent Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP). Judy stated that the TVSP already had an emergency access route via Cutbush Lane and that the proposed plans included an emergency access  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49