Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Refusal

Simon weeks declared a prejudicial interest in this item and took no part in the discussion nor vote.

Proposal: Full application for the proposed erection of four x 1 no. bedroom flats with associated bin/cycle store, access, parking and amenity space

Applicant: Wokingham Area Housing Society

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 47 to 92.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·           Clarification that the summary report on agenda page 50 incorrectly suggested that the submission received from Wyse Hill Farm was in support of the application, and whilst the submission was reviewed, its contents were inadvertently omitted from the officer report. The points raised and officer comment was included within the update;

·           Comment that the Council’s Drainage Officer has since reviewed the submitted Flood Risk Assessment and raised objection on the grounds that the applicant had made an assumption for the infiltration rate, which was considered to be unacceptable.

Jim Bailey, Agent, spoke in support of the application. Jim stated that the applicant was a local charitable trust which provided affordable housing for Wokingham residents. Jim added that the proposals provided four affordable rent houses for locals on gifted land, and there was a proven need for affordable units in the area. Jim stated that the applicant was disappointed to see a recommendation of refusal for this application due to the location of a mature tree on site. Jim added that other sites with similar specimens had been managed successfully using appropriate construction methods. Jim stated that veteran classification of trees were carried out by volunteers, and the applicant had no desire to damage the mature tree on site, and instead wished to work to protect the specimen and improve its wellbeing. Jim added that the amenity space provided should be sufficient, especially in the context of the surrounding green land and proximity to the Finchampstead memorial hall. Jim stated that the applicant was happy to enter a legal agreement regarding provision of affordable housing, and added that a no dig construction condition could also be added to protect the tree specimen. Jim concluded by commenting that the application would provide affordable housing and employment during a time of recession.

Simon Weeks, Ward Member, spoke in support of the application. Simon stated that the Wokingham Area Housing Society already provided affordable housing for a number of local residents in the local area, and the land for this application was donated by a local family for affordable housing for local residents. Simon added that there was an established need for affordable housing in the area, and the proposal was supported by Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC’s) affordable housing team. Simon stated that the applicant’s tree expert with 50 years’ experience disagreed with the classification of the specimen tree as ‘veteran’, as did the Inspector of a recent appeal decision who deemed a veteran tree to be of 4.7m girth or greater and include signs of decay or damage. Simon added  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24