Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional Approval subject to legal agreement

Proposal: Full application for the change of use from Aged Care Facility to residential (all affordable), the creation of six new apartments (36no flats in total) through conversion of part of existing communal areas, provision of communal lounge, managers officer and visitor room and the addition of 8no car park spaces

Applicant: Kate Bessant of Reading Almshouses Charity

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 191 to 222.

The Committee were advised that there were no Members’ Updates. However, Connor Corrigan, Service Manager – Strategic Development Locations Planning Delivery, advised that the officer recommendation be updated to read:

A.     Completion of a satisfactory legal agreement to secure the provision of 100% affordable housing, the limitation of single occupancy for some units and the use of the visitor room

Peter Webb, Applicant, spoke in favour of the application. Peter stated that the charity operated from two other locations and always aimed to build a community which worked in a harmonious way with the existing area. Peter added that the average age of residents was approximately 68, however key workers including nurses and police had been accommodated for in the past. Peter stated that a large proportion of tenants tended to be single occupants, and that the residents occupied the building under terms of licence which would allow for the property to remain as affordable rent indefinitely. Peter added that the dwelling would not offer care however individuals were welcome to bring in their own care. Peter commented that the previous owner of the property had concluded that the aged care facility was not viable to continue. Peter stated that the communal meeting room would be retained in addition to the existing management office and laundry room.

Simon Weeks commented that the living spaces were smaller in area than in many applications, however many residents could be transferring from temporary accommodation solutions such as Bed & Breakfast, in addition to many of the residents being single occupants. Simon added that the smaller living spaces were therefore acceptable in the circumstances, especially when considering the communal meeting room and garden area available to residents.

A number of Members raised concerns regarding the parking provision at the proposed development, including the possibility of increased on-street parking as a result of the proposed development. Judy Kelly, Highways Development Manager, stated that the parking provision met Wokingham’s parking standards. Judy added that Wokingham’s parking standard was 0.5 unallocated spaces per 1-bedroom rental flat property, and as the development provided 24 spaces for 36 homes the provision exceeded standards. Judy added that a car parking management strategy was to be provided by condition.

Members of the Committee welcomed the provision of more affordable housing in the Borough.

RESOLVED That application number 190618 be approved subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 192 to 197.