Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval

Proposal: Full planning application for the proposed redevelopment of the existing Gorse Ride South Estate, comprising demolition of existing buildings and replacement with 249 no. dwellings (mixed-tenure flats and houses) together with associated access, parking, landscaping, public open space and drainage

Applicant: Wokingham Borough Council c/o Agent: Pegasus Planning Group

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 21 to 76.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·           Attached printed leaflet with summary information pertaining to the application;

·           Clarification that the age of the existing development and its intended functional lifespan were not relevant planning considerations for the purpose of the current application;

·           Clarification that the Local Planning Authority would also require a planning obligation in the form of a financial contribution towards local bus service contributions;

·           Revision to Condition 16;

·           Clarification regarding the affordable housing requirements;

·           Substitute wording of Informative 6;

·           Additional Informative 17;

·           Correction to paragraph 21, to now refer to 88 households.

John Kaiser, Executive Member for Finance and Housing, spoke in favour of the application. John stated that this project would consist of 74 percent affordable housing, with 185 new homes for the community. John added that although Council budgets were under pressure, it was crucially important for this project to move forward. John stated that the current properties were in poor condition, and Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) were committed to supporting the local community via provision of high quality homes. John added that this project had been adapted to meet the local need of the area, and the houses would be climate friendly and carbon friendly. John urged the Committee to support the proposals.

Steve Bowers, Chair of the Gorse Ride Residents Steering Group, spoke in support of the application. Steve stated that he had lived on the estate for 36 years, and had raised 5 children, all of whom now owned their own houses. Steve added that he wanted this for future generations, and he wanted people to be proud to live on the estate. Steve stated that the next step for the estate now needed to be taken, and the residents steering group in conjunction with the Parish and Borough Councils, amongst other key parties, were committed to enabling the delivery of this project. Steve added that people needed to be given other opportunities for good quality affordable housing, and he could not emphasise enough just how important this project was for the local area.

Gary Cowan stated that he was supportive of the proposals, and felt that the properties would be delivered in the right area. Gary queried whether affordable housing schemes could apply to former and current military personnel. Simon Weeks stated that key worker lists could be updated to include a variety of groups.

Stephen Conway stated that he was supportive of the proposals. Stephen queried why more apartment blocks were now included within the proposals. Nick Chancellor, case officer, stated that the proposals would be of a higher density when  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38