Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement

Proposal: Full planning application for the proposed raising of existing roof of Rosa Building to create 11no. apartments to the second floor.

Applicant: Mr Schneck

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 25 to 50.

The Committee were advised that updates contained within the Supplementary Planning Agenda included confirmation that the applicant had agreed to enter into a S106 agreement with Wokingham Borough Council (WBC), including a clause known as a deferred payment mechanism.

Stephen Conway queried who would determine how much affordable housing could be delivered based on the profitability of the development. Mark Croucher, case officer, confirmed that an independent specialist party advised on this matter in consultation with WBC and the applicant.

Andrew Mickleburgh commented that whilst there was an overprovision of 8 spaces, an informative allocating a number of spaces to specific flats might be useful for future residents. Mark Croucher stated that condition 5 required parking details to comply with the approved plans, however an informative as outlined above would also be reasonable.

Gary Cowan queried how WBC space standards compared to the national space standards, commented that should each unit be delivered on green space then a contribution towards local facilities and provision of green space would ordinarily be required, and queried whether planning permission be given to applications that were not providing adequate levels of affordable housing. Mark Croucher stated that WBC space standards were slightly more generous than national standards, however planning inspectors always applied national standards. CIL payments would be required for each of the 11 units, whilst WBC had one of the highest CIL charges in the UK. In relation to affordable housing, Mark Croucher stated that the viability assessment was written into the policy.

John Kaiser queried what the total CIL amount payable would be, and queried whether sprinklers would be included as part of the development. Mark Croucher stated that he would circulate the CIL amount to John outside of the meeting after calculating the total figure. Mark stated that inclusion of sprinklers was not a material planning consideration as this was covered by building regulations.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey queried whether the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) had made any comments with regards to sprinkler provision. Mark Croucher clarified that that the RBFRS had not commented on this application, and added that they tended to comment on issues such as the siting of water hydrants.

Andrew Mickleburgh proposed an additional informative, encouraging the applicant to consider allocating a number of car parking spaces to individual units. This proposal was seconded by Stephen Conway, carried, and added to the list of informatives.

RESOLVED That application number 211508 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 26 to 29, additional informative encouraging the applicant to consider allocating a number of car parking spaces to individual units, and subject to legal agreement.