Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement.

Proposal: Full application for the erection of TV Studio Building including studio space, workshop/storage area and production/office along with parking facilities.

Applicant: University of Reading

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 17 to 74.

The Committee were advised that the supplementary planning agenda included:

·           Correction to the site address, to state Land at Thames Valley Science Park, Shinfield, RG2 9LH;

·           Addition of CP16 to the list of policies;

·           Clarification regarding policy TB13 relating to this application;

·           Clarification relating to floor areas;

·           Updated condition 3 via insertion of a number of plan numbers;

·           Clarification of condition 3 to state that 175 additional car parking spaces would be required for this development;

·           Updated wording of condition 14;

·           Update to condition 17 to extend delivery hours to 1am.

Mark Owen, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application. Mark stated that the global market for film and TV production in the UK had grown rapidly, due to a number of factors including digital streaming services and the continued attraction of the UK and its skill base as a location for filming and post-production work. There was a central demand for studio space outside of the M25, which was a key reason why the proposed location at Thames Valley Science Park was suitable. Mark added that the development of the science park was a key driver in improving skills, productivity and competition in a rapidly changing global economy. The proposals would form part of the University’s future concept for the Science Park in creating “Innovation Valleys”, focussed on film, TV and media. Mark stated that the proposals would create employment opportunities including 95 direct full-time employees, whilst ensuring that student engagement was a priority via close working with the University of Reading’s School of Film, Theatre and Television, offering work placements, specialist training and mentoring schemes. Mark added that the design of the building had been carefully considered, and dark metal cladding was proposed to minimise the visual impact of the building. The existing earth bund to the south of the proposed development would assist in reducing the visual impact of the building as viewed from residential dwellings to the south of the Eastern Relief Road. Mark stated that additional screening would be placed on the existing earth bund, secured by condition, to further screen the facility. Mark stated that there was good pedestrian and cycle connectivity to the site, in addition to a frequent bus service. The parking arrangements for the development would utilise the existing Science Park car park in addition to an adjacent car park extension area which had planning consent. Mark concluded by stating that carbon emissions would be reduced by fourteen percent as a result of the proposed development, above the minimum ten percent reduction required by policy, and this was in addition to a biodiversity net gain of twelve percent, including the planting of an area of wildflower grassland.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey queried whether apprentices would be available for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15