Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval

Proposal: Full planning application for the change of use of night club on the ground floor of Alexandra House to a flexible mixed use comprising A1 (Retail), A2 (Financial and Professional Services), A3 (Cafes and Restaurants), A4 (Drinking Establishments), and/or A5 (Hot Food Takeaways) and B1(a) (Office) plus changes to fenestration at ground floor. Part retrospective

Applicant: Wokingham Borough Council

The Committee received and reviewed a report, set out in agenda pages 185 to 204.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included a correction to the date of consideration by the Committee.

No written public submissions were received for this item.

Members were asked in turn for any comments or queries on this application. Specific comments or queries are summarised below.

Simon Weeks commented that this application sought no space increase, but instead greater flexibility to ensure that the building was fully utilised.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey queried whether there was any parking provision on site, and whether secure cycle parking could be provided on site. Natalie Jarman, case officer, stated that there was no parking provision associated with the site, however due to its town centre location there was nearby parking available. Natalie added that the upper two floors were already in operation as office accommodation.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey asked that an informative be added, stating that as the Borough Council encouraged cycling as a method of transportation the Committee asked that the applicant consider the provision of secure on site cycle storage. This was unanimously agreed and added to the list of informatives.

Malcolm Richards queried whether the current hours of use extending into the night would cease should the application be approved. Natalie Jarman confirmed that the current hours of use, related to night club usage, would be replaced by the hours of use associated with the proposals.

A number of Members commented on their support for this application, as it would give the Borough Council greater flexibility to help ensure that the building was fully utilised.

RESOLVED That application number 201050 be approve, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 186 to 188, and additional informative asking that the applicant consider the provision of secure on site cycle storage.