Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional Approval.

Proposal: Full application for the construction of the western section of the Northern Distributor Road linking Toutley Road in the north and the A329 Reading Road in the south west, incorporating a railway bridge, a new junction on Toutley Road / Old Forest Road, and associated works including crossings, drainage, flood risk improvements, shared footway/cycleway, SANG replacement and laying out of new public open space.

Applicant: Wokingham Borough Council C/O WSP.

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 109 to 104.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update corrected Condition 3 of the recommendation to state ‘Rev 04’ in place of the originally stated ‘Rev 03’.

Ian Haller, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in favour of the application. He stated that the application covered 1.4km of new single carriageway and a bridge over the railway. Ian extended his thanks to all of the teams associated with developing the project to its current state. Ian added that a statutory consultation process had been undertaken, and various amendments had been made to the scheme as a result of responses received. Ian stated that over 2500 trees would be planted as a part of the proposed development, including a creation of a woodland area. Ian added that paths would be created to link the development to the existing SANG, and that any felled trees would be replaced at a ratio of 20 to 1 in addition to the 2500 other newly planted trees. Ian stated that should the application be approved, then the draft bridge agreement and track positions would be subsequently agreed.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey stated that the Winnersh are was in need of the proposed road, which was a compromise as residents had not wished for the road to go over the Toutley Road.

Angus Ross asked for clarification over the speed limits on the proposed road. Judy Kelly, Highways Development Manager, stated that the speed limit would be 40Mph via the Reading Road until the Old Forest Road junction, after which the speed limit would be 30 Mph.

A number of Members commented on the benefits that this road would bring to the area.

Angus Ross queried why it appeared that the Fire Service had not been consulted regarding this application. Sophie Morris, Case Officer, stated that the Fire Service were routinely consulted as a matter of course, and added that they are likely to have been consulted regarding this application, and Officers would confirm whether they had been.

Carl Doran asked for clarification regarding the pedestrian crossing points and acoustic sound barriers. Judy Kelly stated that the signalised crossing points would be built near the proposed open space. Sophie Morris stated that from a planning point, acoustic barriers were undesirable from a visual aspect. Sophie added that noise insulation grants would be available to affected houses.

Malcolm Richards queried how the ‘no parking’ would be indicated on the proposed road. Judy Kelly stated that double yellow lines would feature along  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90