Issue - meetings

Recommendation:  Conditional Approval

Proposal: Application for approval of Reserved Matters pursuant to Outline Planning Consent O/2014/2179 (as varied by 181194, dated 14/11/2018). The Reserved Matters comprise details of 235 dwellings across parcels P2, P3 & P7 with access via development parcel P1 and the proposed Nine Mile Ride Extension bus loop; emergency access via Sheerlands Road, associated internal access roads, parking, provision of Public Open Space (PG1), children’s play areas including a LEAP, LAP and LLAP and NEAP, together with parking, cycleways, footpaths, landscaping and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). Details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be considered

Applicant: Legal and General Homes Communities (Arborfield) Limited

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 75 to 120.

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

Laura Powell, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application. Laura stated that the Hogwood Farm site was granted outline planning permission in 2017 for a mixed-use development including 1500 new homes and formed a part of the wider Arborfield Garrison SDL. Laura added that the first phase of this development included 178 new homes, of which approximately 90 were now occupied. Laura stated that the southern section of the Nine Mile Ride extension had also been approved in early 2020, with delivery expected next year. Laura added that the application before the Committee comprised the next residential phase of the development, comprising three development parcels which would lie immediately next to the south of Phase 1. Part of this application included proposals for a large area of open space, which would provide a green connection through the development to the SANG at the south of the site. Laura added that this would incorporate the wider bridleway network, as well as children’s play areas and a trim trail exercise area. Laura stated that the application would deliver 235 high quality homes, ranging from 1 bedroom apartments to 4 bedroom houses, including provision of 82 affordable homes which was policy compliant. Laura added that the applicant had worked hard with officers to ensure that the proposals were both policy compliant and respected the character of the surrounding area. The proposals met Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC’s) parking standards, and would achieve a ten percent reduction in carbon emissions, in part via the installation of photovoltaic panels and use of fabric first. Laura concluded by stating that the proposals would include the planting of 443 new trees across the residential area, and cited that no objections had been received from the public or stakeholders.

Angus Ross queried whether the payment for the SANG had been received and finalised. Nick Chancellor, case officer, confirmed that this had been agreed at the outline stage, and the SANG was now open.

Stephen Conway voiced his approval for on-site provision of 35 percent affordable housing. The remaining Committee members concurred with this sentiment.

Andrew Mickleburgh queried whether parking standards would be met if garages were not used within the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16