Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional Approval subject to legal agreement.

John Jarvis left the room for the duration of this item.

Proposal: Full planning application for the change of use of 21.7ha of land from agricultural use to informal recreational land ( Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace SANG ) and associated infrastructure including pedestrian and vehicle access, a car park, footpath network and landscaping.

Applicant: University of Reading.

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 105 to 120.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·           An updated set of head terms with regards to the legal agreement;

·           A set of conditions and informatives;

·           An updated part C, ‘Reasons for Refusal’;

·           Clarification that the Parish Council had not provided any further comments on the application.

Nina Sharp, Agent, spoke in support of the application. She stated that the application was for a change of use of 21.7 hectares of agricultural land to a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). Nina added that the nearby Langley Mead SANG had a high visitor count and was popular with local residents. Nina stated that the proposed application was situated in flood zones 1, 2 and 3, however Natural England had assessed the overall viability of the land and had deemed it to be acceptable with a variety of ‘must have’ features including a variety of environments, a circular walkway, an easy to access car park and space suitable for dog walking (without leads). Nina added that Natural England had given their full support for the proposed scheme.

Anthony Pollock, Ward Member, spoke in objection to the application. He stated that the proposed development site was currently under water due to flooding, and was of the opinion that local residents were becoming increasingly frustrated with local SANGs being placed adjacent to rivers prone to flooding. Anthony added that the river was six foot higher than the base of the land towards the edge of the proposed SANG, and that this stretch of the river had always been prone to overflowing and flooding. Anthony stated that the applicant could not use the land for housing developments, so had instead opted to develop the land as a SANG. Anthony was of the opinion that the proposed 13 car parking spaces were insufficient, and that local residents needed a much higher quality SANG provision in the area.

Connor Corrigan, Service Manager for Strategic Development Locations and Planning Delivery, responded to a number of points raised by the speakers. He stated that it was acknowledged that the proposed development site was prone to flooding (being in flood zones 2 and 3) however this was acceptable as the SANG would not be in constant use especially during times of more extreme weather and had links to a wider SANG. Connor added that the site had a one in twenty year flood level, and acknowledged that some of the footpaths and part of the proposed car park would flood in ‘extreme’ events. Connor stated that flooding was accepted to occur on the site  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74