Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional Approval.

Chris Bowring left the room

Angus Ross assumed the Chair.

Proposal: Full planning application for the proposed change of use of ground floor from ‘Spin and Night club’ to mixed use comprising retail (use class A1) and Business (use class B1a), plus changes to fenestration to ground floor.

Applicant: Bernie Pich (On Behalf of Wokingham Borough Council).

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 223 to 276.

The Committee were advised that there were no Members’ Updates.

Nesha Burnham, Case Officer, advised the Committee that Condition 5 was no longer required.

Maria Gee, Ward Member, submitted a written statement which commented on the application. In her absence, Angus Ross read out the statement. Maria was of the opinion that it was odd that the Council was converting part of the building to office space, when office space appeared to be in over supply in Wokingham Town. Maria added that she hoped that an analysis of the likely tenant demand had been completed, and a risk assessment completed for the market value of the property should tenants not be found. Maria noted that this application had no car parking associated with it.

Angus Ross commented that a nearby office was to be demolished shortly, and that this proposal would counterbalance a portion of the lost office space from that building.

Malcolm Richards stated that there were existing problems with parking within the town centre, however he had no obvious concerns with regards to this application.

RESOLVED: That application 190233 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 225 to 231, and with the removal of condition 5.

Chris Bowring resumed the Chair.