Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval

Proposal: Full application for the proposed upgrade to the existing Park and

Ride facility via the provision of a decked car park facility increasing parking by 104 spaces; provision of a new access to

Winnersh Triangle Railway Station; improvements to the urban realm of the station forecourt, and associated works

Applicant: Highways and Transport, Wokingham Borough Council

The Committee received and reviewed a report, set out in agenda pages 119 to 146.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included further clarification relating to the number of electric vehicle charging spaces at the proposed development.

In line with the given deadlines, two public written submissions were received for this item. These submissions were circulated to Members in advance, and noted on the evening. The submissions as provided can be found below.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) Highways and Transport, applicant, provided the following submission in support of the application:

1              “The Scheme seeks to improve the Park and Ride facility at Winnersh Triangle Station by increasing the capacity of the car park to allow higher number of drivers to park and use rail and bus services from Winnersh Station into Reading, as well as other locations. The Scheme has been accepted by the Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and their independent technical advisors;

2              In its present form, and with restricted parking capacity, the station cannot fulfil its potential both as a gateway to the local area and as a much-improved park and ride facility. The enhanced car park design will include spaces and charging points for electric vehicles which will help reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change. This will encourage increased use of electric vehicles given that the availability of charging points is a major consideration for purchasing electric vehicles;

3              Given that Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) have declared a “climate emergency”, the Scheme will demonstrate the steps WBC is taking to reduce adverse environmental impacts and improve public health in the area, and to make WBC carbon neutral by 2030;

4              The Park and Ride facility will be complemented by station forecourt improvements in the form of a new access, turning head and urban realm enhancements. These elements of the Scheme would not only generate a number of strategic benefits, based on its own merits, but would also complement the car park enhancements. The improved access for buses would help the access and egress manoeuvres, thereby increasing the attractiveness of the bus park and ride;

5              There will be additional safety benefits associated with the new access arrangements (e.g. pedestrian movements between the business park and the station will not have to interact with buses and other vehicles accessing the forecourt). This would greatly enhance the perception of pedestrian safety at the station forecourt. The planting of new trees and an overall improvement in the ambience and appearance of the station approaches will also generate benefits for those using the station;

6              The Planning, Design and Access Statement assessed the Scheme against the NPPF and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8