Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional Approval

Proposal: Full application for the proposed change of use of the former car park to the storage of materials, shoring and temporary works equipment and vehicles associated with civil engineering business (Use Class B8), including welfare unit, gates, and fencing

Applicant: Hochsoll Properties Ltd

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 159 to 186.

The Committee were advised that there were no updates within the supplementary planning agenda.

Christian Leigh, agent, spoke in support of the application. Christian stated that there had been a productive pre-application process between the applicant and Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) officers. Christian added that the site was woefully unused, and that the use cases of the site were restricted due to the potential for flooding on the associated land. Christian stated that this application would provide a much needed viable use for the site, which would provide employment within the local area. Christian stated that the application would provide additional planting and secure fencing.

Prue Bray, Ward Member, commented on the application. Prue stated that the site flooded, however this did not preclude use of the site for storage purposes. Prue stated that one such flooding incident in 2007 was catastrophic, and caused a number of vehicles to be written off despite the flood warning system being in operation, as car had become marooned within the car park and could not reach the exit roads. Prue commented that she would hate to see this happen again, and asked that an informative be added to make the applicant aware that flood water had the potential to block the exit roads from the site.

Bill Soane commented that reference within the report to Colemans Moor Lane should have referred to Colemans Moor Road. Bill stated that he had spoken to local residents, who were mostly now content with the proposals. A few queries remained, including whether there would be any temporary tower lighting, whether there was potential for any harmful chemicals to spill into the Loddon in the event of a flood, and whether the opening hours could begin at 8am rather than 7am. Bill commented that the site flooded more frequently than every five years, and queried whether vehicles could not enter the site out of hours. Simon Taylor, case officer, clarified that tower lighting would not be allowed under conditions. Simon added that he would envisage that the vehicles would fill up with fuel off-site, meaning that no fuel would be stored at the site. Simon clarified that the 7am opening time was fairly typical for this use type as it builders required access to the materials early in the day to allow for an early start on building sites. Simon confirmed that no vehicles could access the site out of the prescribed 7am to 7pm hours.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey commented that the site could get very damp and wet, and advised that the applicant should park vehicles carefully to accommodate for this. Rachelle added that this was a good  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19