Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to completion of a Deed of Variation.

Proposal: Application for approval of reserved matters pursuant to outline planning permission (O/2014/2242). The reserved matters comprise details of the local centre incorporating retail use on ground floor and 16 dwellings on the upper floors, with associated parking and landscaping. Details of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be determined.

Applicant: Bovis Homes

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, as set out in agenda pages 73 to 108.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·           An additional neighbour consultation received on 3 August 2019 and associated Officer comment;

·           Altered recommendation due to receipt of further clarity regarding the proposed Deed of Variation;

·           Altered Condition 2.

Peter Warren, Agent representing Bovis Homes, spoke in support of the application. Peter stated that the application would provide a viable amenity space for the community, with the overall layout if the proposed site being complimentary to the neighbouring school. Peter added that the retail units and parking availability would be an asset to the community, and the scheme would deliver the next phase of the Matthewsgreen Farm development, which sat within the North Wokingham SDL.

Pauline Jorgensen queried how this application conformed to Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC’s) parking standards, and sought clarification as to the public transport provision. Judy Kelly, Highways Development manager, stated that there was a bus stop nearby. Judy added that the scheme complied with WBC’s parking standards including the provision of disabled spaces.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey queried whether residents of the proposed flats would be allowed to park in the retail spaces. Connor Corrigan, Service Manager – Strategic Development Locations and Planning Delivery, stated that it was unlikely that residents would be able to park at the retail units as it would be up to the retailers to manage their own allocated parking provision for their customers.

Angus Ross queried how the proposed garden area would be maintained in future. Connor Corrigan stated that the applicant would either be responsible for the maintenance of the garden or they could hand the garden over to WBC, which would allow the Council to maintain the garden going forwards.

A number of Members queried how electric vehicle charging would be implemented at the proposed development. Connor Corrigan stated that it was up to the applicant to suggest where the charging points be located, and Officers would then agree or disagree. Connor added that the policy around electric vehicle charging was new and emerging.

Andrew Mickleburgh queried whether the affordable housing provision would remain in perpetuity. Connor Corrigan clarified that the affordable rent properties would be handed over to a social landlord and would have to be retained as per the S106 agreement.

RESOLVED That application number 191024 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 74 to 78, amended recommendation due to receipt of further clarity on the Deed of Variation as set out in the Members’ Update, and altered condition 2 as set out in the Members’ Update.