Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement

Proposal: Full application for the erection of 153 dwellings comprising a mix of 1,2,3 & 4 beds with associated landscaping, parking, open space, drainage; construction of a new access onto Warren House Road and Bell Foundry Lane; provision of an area of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and all other associated development works (including demolition of existing buildings and provision of temporary site sales).

Applicant:  Barratt David Wilson Homes

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application as set out in agenda pages 5 to 74.

The Committee was advised that the Members’ Update included the following:

·       Amendment of the cited Heads of Terms on Pages 8 and 25;

·       Amendment of condition 2, to include the list of drawings to be approved;

·       Amendment of condition 25 regarding stream alignment;

·       Amendment of condition 37 regarding odour mitigation measures;

·       Additional conditions 45 and 46;

·       Clarification regarding parking space number and parking ratio;

·       Additional consultation responses;

·       Clarification regarding the installation of acoustic screens around the Odour Control Unit in order to address the noise issues associated with this, in order for it to commence use again.

Abby Tebboth, Wokingham Town Council, spoke in objection to the application.  She stated that the Town Council was concerned about the odour levels coming from the sewage works.  The odour contouring had been noted but the Odour Impact Assessment still predicted that odour exposures across the site would potentially be two or three times the level at which odour became a nuisance, which would have a significant impact on residents’ use of their homes, gardens and the amenity space.  Abby Tebboth went on to state that the proximity of the housing to Ashridge Stream presented a considerable flood risk even if the diversion works were completed.  An area of the development was in the high level of flood risk, which was not in line with the Core Strategy.  She added that there was an increased risk of flooding to the existing houses in the area.  Abby Tebboth indicated that residents had concerns around the safety of the access to Warren House Road, to the playpark and the SANG, to existing houses.  Increased pressure on local infrastructure was also potentially an issue.  Abby Tebboth went on to state the application would develop some of the only remaining green space in Norreys.

Jessica Sparkes, spoke in favour of the application, on behalf of the Applicant.  She commented that the proposals had been shaped following extensive discussions with officers and consultees.  The number of dwellings now aligned with the emerging Local Plan, landscaping and open space were now increased and overall density on a par with other developments in the Strategic Development Location.   Jessica Sparkes indicated that the application would allow for the completion of the Northern Distributor Road and that additional SANG and public open space would also be provided, which would complement the existing SANG across the north of Wokingham.  The proposals also offered policy compliant affordable housing all of which would be provided within the development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45