Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval.

Stephen Conway declared a prejudicial interest in this item, and left the room after speaking during the public speakers section as a supporter, and as such did not take part in the discussion or vote.

Proposal: Application to vary conditions 2 (approved plans), 24 (affordable housing), 28 (landscape management) and 35 (planning obligations) of planning consent 202133 (full planning application for the proposed redevelopment of the existing Gorse Ride South Estate, comprising demolition of existing buildings and replacement with 249 no. dwellings (mixed-tenure flats and houses) together with associated access, parking, landscaping, public open space and drainage). The application seeks to introduce variation to the design of the approved scheme.

Applicant: Wokingham Borough Council (WBC).

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 121 to 158.

The Committee were advised that there were no updates contained within the Supplementary Planning Agenda.

Stephen Conway, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application. Stephen stated that the application was before the Committee to amend some of the agreed conditions, including those related to design and layout of some of the car parking bays. Stephen stated that the Gorse Ride project was a flagship project for WBC, started by Stephen’s predecessor but very much supported by himself. Stephen noted that there was a shortage of truly affordable housing within the Borough, with many residents priced out of living in the Borough.

David Cornish queried the reason for the change in roof design. Joanna Carter, case officer, confirmed that the design of the roof had changed due to concern of leaves falling from mature trees into the gulley between the roofs.

Andrew Mickleburgh queried whether the replacement to the energy block would be as equally environmentally friendly, and queried whether there was any possibility to allow some additional disabled bays to be unallocated if the current proposal of 5 allocated spaces was deemed insufficient. Joanna Carter stated that following the phasing strategy, it was realised that some properties at the edge of the site would not be in a position to be provided with sufficient energy. As such, it was now proposed to provide externally located substations, with their location and appearance to be agreed via conditions. Kamran Akhter, Highways Development Manager, stated that there was an overprovision of parking spaces proposed, and the disabled parking would be managed by a parking management plan.

Wayne Smith queried whether power would be delivered via gas or electricity. Joanna Carter confirmed that the applicant had moved from gas to electricity.

RESOLVED That application number 222001 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out within agenda pages 133 to 147.