Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement

Proposal: Full application for the erection of 5 no. detached dwellings, two with detached garages and three with internal garages and associated landscaping works including one balancing pond, 2 no. accesses with entrance gates and 1.2m post and rail fencing.

Applicant: Woodridge Developments, 11 Arkwright Road Reading RG2 0LU

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 85 to 120.

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

John Anderson, Swallowfield Parish Council, spoke in objection to the application. John stated that three-storey homes were not part of the character of the Parish, and the proposals would occupy an elevated position whilst taking centre stage within the wide site entrance. John added that the proposals would give the appearance of tall town houses within a field. John felt that the proposals were inappropriate within a countryside setting. John stated outline permission was granted in 2016 for three houses, which the Parish Council had supported on balance as an alternative to a busy garden centre. John stated that this permission had removed permitted development rights, however this had been subsequently ignored and the proposals were now for 5 tall dwellings with a separate driveway leading to plot one. John was of the opinion that this was a further attempt to increase the size and scope of the development, which would further harm the character of the area and was a step too far.

Lisa Burns-Peake, resident, spoke in objection to the application. Lisa stated that loss of privacy to her home as a result of the proposals would have a huge impact on their quality of life. Lisa was of the opinion that the proposed dwellings were utterly out of keeping with the housing stock on the road, and added that there had been subsequent increases in the proposed size of the development of the site since 2016.

Tristan Parsons, neighbour and on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application. Tristan stated that he lived in the property two doors down from the site, and five years ago there had been an issue with travellers accessing the site and entering his back garden. As a result, the site was purchased with a view to develop. Tristan stated that he was now working from home alongside his wife whilst their children took part in home schooling when required due to Covid-19. Tristan stated that his family would be moving into plot one, and the proposed attic rooms would be added to the other four properties to allow those families space for home working. Tristan stated that many different designs had been considered, and the proposed designs were deemed to have the least impact on the countryside whilst providing space for the attic rooms without losing the attractive curve appeal of the properties, without increasing either the height of the dwellings or the footprint of the properties. Tristan felt the addition of the attics would allow for future  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78