Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval

Proposal: Full application for the erection of a 1No bed two storey dwelling following demolition of the existing workshop.

Applicant: Mr Ray Cook

The Committee received and reviewed a report, set out in agenda pages 81 to 112.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·           Omission of Condition 17;

·           Minor amendment of Condition 20;

·           Addition of Condition 21;

·           Addition of Condition 22;

·           Comment from Twyford Parish Council, objecting to the proposals and supporting the residents’ viewpoints;

·           Correction to paragraph 5.

Selena Durrant, resident, spoke in objection to the application. Selena stated that the application was of modern design, which was out of keeping with the rest of the properties within the conservation area. Selena stated that her home was built in 1901 and retained its original character. Selena added that the proposals did nothing to enhance the conservation area, and mixed-use parking was at a premium in the area. Selena was of the opinion that the designs were unsympathetic to the character of the street scene, and three vehicles regularly parked alongside the existing garages. As parking was already a daily issue, the proposals would only create more issues. Selena stated that the proposals would overlook into her property, in addition to creating additional noise to the rear of the property. Selena added that an elderly neighbour would be affected by additional noise and privacy concerns. Selena asked that the Committee conduct a site visit, in order to gain a better understanding of privacy concerns and develop a better picture of the character of the existing conservation area.

Thomas Rumble, agent, spoke in support of the application. Thomas stated that the existing site was in a dilapidated state and was in need of redevelopment. Thomas added that the proposals were for a new one bedroom dwelling which followed the design of a previous appeal decision. The Inspector had commented that the current site negatively affected the conservation area due to its dilapidated state. Thomas stated that the site was situated within a highly sustainable area, and the new property designs were more desirable than the existing property. Thomas added that the Inspector had refused the previous appeal on two grounds (timber cladding, and the 1^st floor infringing on the adjacent dwelling), both of which had been remedied within the current application proposals. Thomas stated that the proposals furthered development on brownfield land. Thomas added that the plans allowed for a positive active frontage, with a contemporary dwelling design situated within a sustainable area.

Lindsay Ferris, Ward Member, spoke in objection to the application. Lindsay stated that the proposals were totally out of character with the Twyford conservation area. Lindsay stated that the Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) conservation Officer had raised an objection to the proposals. Lindsay stated that the site was cramped and overlooked neighbouring properties. Lindsay stated that acceptance of the proposed structure could break down the character of the area. Lindsay saw no reason that WBC should accept the proposals in their current form.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97