Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Callum Wernham  Democratic & Electoral Services Specialist

Media

Items
No. Item

33.

Apologies

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

An apology for absence was submitted from Carl Doran.

34.

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 371 KB

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 October 2020.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 14 October 2020 were confirmed as a correct record and would be signed by the Chairman at a later date.

35.

Declaration of Interest

To receive any declaration of interest

 

Minutes:

Pauline Jorgensen declared an interest in item number 38, on the grounds that she had previously been the Executive Member for Housing. Pauline added that she had not formed a view regarding this item, and would keep an open mind during discussions. Pauline stated that she would take part in the vote.

 

Angus Ross declared an interest in item number 37, on the grounds that he was involved in the concept during his time as an Executive Member. In addition, Angus stated that he was a member of the Ramblers association. Angus added that he had not made any determination regarding this item, and would go into discussions with an open mind. Angus stated that he would take part in the vote.

 

Angus Ross declared an interest in item number 39, on the grounds that he had originally had some involvement with this site. Angus stated that he would go into discussions with an open mind, and had taken no involvement in this planning application. Angus stated that he would take part in the vote.

 

Gary Cowan declared a prejudicial interest in item number 39, on the grounds that he had made comments in the past relating to this application. Gary added that he would take no part in this item.

 

Simon Weeks declared a prejudicial interest in item number 39, on the grounds that he had made comments in the past relating to this application. Simon added that he would take no part in this item, and the Vice Chairman would Chair this particular item.

 

Simon Weeks declared an interest in item number 38, on the grounds that he was the Ward Member for the area and had been involved with the residents on the estate. Simon added that he had not formed a view on this application, and he would go into discussions with an open mind. Simon added that he would take part in the vote.

 

Stephen Conway and Pauline Jorgensen stated that they had not taken part in some or all of the previously conducted site visits. Both Members added that they would listen to all discussions relating to these items, and would take part in the votes.

36.

Applications to be Deferred and Withdrawn items

To consider any recommendations to defer applications from the schedule and to note any applications that may have been withdrawn.

Minutes:

No applications were recommended for deferral, or withdrawn.

37.

Diversion of Shinfield Footpath 12 pdf icon PDF 149 KB

Recommendation: That the order is made

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Proposal: Application for the diversion of part of Shinfield Footpath 12 under Section 257 Town and Country Planning Act 1990

 

Applicant: Shinfield West Housebuilder Consortium

 

The Committee received and reviewed a report, set out in agenda pages 13 to 20.

 

The Committee were advised that there were no Members’ Updates.

 

RESOLVED That the order be made.

38.

Application No.202133 - Land east of Gorse Ride South, south of Whittle Close and to the north and south of Billing Avenue, Finchampstead, RG40 9JF pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Recommendation: Conditional approval

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Proposal: 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

 

Applicant: Wokingham Borough Council c/o Agent: Pegasus Planning Group

 

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 21 to 76.

 

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

 

·           Attached printed leaflet with summary information pertaining to the application;

·           Clarification that the age of the existing development and its intended functional lifespan were not relevant planning considerations for the purpose of the current application;

·           Clarification that the Local Planning Authority would also require a planning obligation in the form of a financial contribution towards local bus service contributions;

·           Revision to Condition 16;

·           Clarification regarding the affordable housing requirements;

·           Substitute wording of Informative 6;

·           Additional Informative 17;

·           Correction to paragraph 21, to now refer to 88 households.

 

John Kaiser, Executive Member for Finance and Housing, spoke in favour of the application. John stated that this project would consist of 74 percent affordable housing, with 185 new homes for the community. John added that although Council budgets were under pressure, it was crucially important for this project to move forward. John stated that the current properties were in poor condition, and Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) were committed to supporting the local community via provision of high quality homes. John added that this project had been adapted to meet the local need of the area, and the houses would be climate friendly and carbon friendly. John urged the Committee to support the proposals.

 

Steve Bowers, Chair of the Gorse Ride Residents Steering Group, spoke in support of the application. Steve stated that he had lived on the estate for 36 years, and had raised 5 children, all of whom now owned their own houses. Steve added that he wanted this for future generations, and he wanted people to be proud to live on the estate. Steve stated that the next step for the estate now needed to be taken, and the residents steering group in conjunction with the Parish and Borough Councils, amongst other key parties, were committed to enabling the delivery of this project. Steve added that people needed to be given other opportunities for good quality affordable housing, and he could not emphasise enough just how important this project was for the local area.

 

Gary Cowan stated that he was supportive of the proposals, and felt that the properties would be delivered in the right area. Gary queried whether affordable housing schemes could apply to former and current military personnel. Simon Weeks stated that key worker lists could be updated to include a variety of groups.

 

Stephen Conway stated that he was supportive of the proposals. Stephen queried why more apartment blocks were now included within the proposals. Nick Chancellor, case officer, stated that the proposals would be of a higher density when  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

39.

Application No.163547 - Hogwood Park, Park Lane, Barkham, Wokingham RG404PT pdf icon PDF 685 KB

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Simon Weeks and Gary Cowan withdrew from this item and took no part in discussions nor the vote.

 

Simon Weeks withdrew from the Chair, and Chris Bowring assumed the Chair.

 

Proposal: HYBRID APPLICATION:Outline application (all matters reserved except access to the site) for up to 140 residential units (Use Class C3) and all associated parking, soft and hard landscaping within the site and ancillary works. (Means of access into the Site off Park Lane, demolition of existing buildings and 2.83ha of SANG to be determined in full detail)

 

Applicant: Reading Football Club

 

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 77 to 142.

 

The Committee were advised that the Members’ update included:

 

·           Replacement wording of Condition 26 ;

·           Additional Condition 42.

 

Graeme Dexter, Barkham Parish Council, spoke in objection to the application. Graeme stated that the proposals did not fit well with the Arborfield and Barkham neighbourhood plan, nor did it fit with the nearby Hogwood industrial estate. Graeme stated that the extraction fans on the industrial estate were not suitable to be located in close proximity to a residential estate. Graeme added that the site was not located within the existing SDL, and was not in close proximity to local shops. Graeme stated that there would be no direct road access to the district centre, which would force more traffic onto Park Lane, as there was no link to the Nine Mile Ride road extension. Graeme added that it was not possible to safely walk to California Country Park, which would force yet more traffic onto Park Lane. Graeme felt that green areas and landscaping should be used as a buffer between the proposed homes and the industrial estate. Graeme stated that the site required a dedicated link to the nearby SDL, and more SDL infrastructure was required prior to development.

 

Nina Sharp, agent, spoke in support of the application. Nina stated that this application was in hybrid form, and included up to 140 dwellings and a SANG. Nina added that the site would be vacant from December 2020, and the proposals would provide a safe cycle route to Bohunt School, shops, and community facilities. Nina stated that 5 hectares of public open space would be provided, including a SANG extension. Surface upgrades to the SANG would be secured by a S106 legal agreement, and the site would provide 40 affordable homes. Nina stated that all properties would be of two storey design, with an average density of 27 properties per hectare. Nina concluded by saying that the site was included within the emerging draft local plan, and there had been no objections from statutory consultees regarding this application.

 

John Kaiser, Ward Member, spoke in objection to the application. John stated that this was not a sustainable development, and by allowing this development it would allow developments to be built anywhere via precedent.  John was of the opinion that there was no highways justification for this application, and this application would set  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

40.

Application No.200711 - Bartletts Farm, Swallowfield Road, Arborfield pdf icon PDF 592 KB

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Simon Weeks resumed the Chair.

 

Proposal: Full planning application for Installation of a Solar park to include 40000 solar photovoltaic panels, 11 inverter/transformer cabins, a single control building and associated works to include vehicle access and fencing with Environmental Statement.

 

Applicant: Wessex Solar Energy

 

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 143 to 174.

 

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included a typographical correction to paragraph 24.

 

Jonathan Wheelwright, Swallowfield Parish Council, spoke in objection to the application. Jonathan stated that Swallowfield Parish Council were in support of climate emergency objectives, however this was the wrong location for a solar farm. Jonathan was of the opinion that this would be more likened to a solar industrial site, built on top of good quality 3A graded agricultural land which was not low quality land. Jonathan stated that it would be hard to find a more visible or intrusive location. Jonathan added that this application had received 89 resident objections, all of who supported the green energy initiative, however not in such an unsuitable location. The site would cover around 46 acres of Greenfield, including installation of approximately 40,000 panels each 8 feet in height. Additional security fencing and outbuildings would also be developed on the Greenfield. Jonathan stated that the fields would be lost to foraging animals, and the alternative site assessment had shown other more suitable sites. Jonathan concluded by stating that sustainable energy was important, however sites should not be placed on good quality farmland, situated in highly visible locations.

 

Harry Cannon, resident, spoke in objection to the application. Harry stated that he was speaking on behalf of a number of residents, and their view was that this was a good idea, but it was situated in the wrong place. Harry added that this would be a large industrial development located within local countryside on rising ground. As such, the proposals would be visible for miles around, including from farmland and paths which were used enormously by locals. Harry stated that the proposed development would be located next to listed buildings, and would breach a variety of planning policies and guidelines. Harry stated that one report categorised the views from paths as negligible or minor, which was not the case at all. Harry added that the development would be seen from as far away from Earley, Arborfield and Eversley. Harry concluded by stating that the assessment for alternative sites was incredibly weak, and these proposals would in fact damage the environment by placing an industrial site within the countryside which was valued by residents.

 

Richard Wearmouth, applicant, spoke in support of the application. Richard stated that this application was for the development of a solar park, and the proposed park was entirely suitable for a site of this scale, in part due to the 33kv powerline running underneath the site. Richard added that the WBC landscape officer had deemed the screening proposals to be appropriate, and the site  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

41.

Application No.202103 - Land At Maidenhead Road, Wokingham, RG40 5RN pdf icon PDF 298 KB

Recommendation: Conditional approval

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Proposal: Full planning application for the change of use of land from agriculture to the keeping of horses, plus erection of a hay barn and stable building.

 

Applicant: Mr L Proctor

 

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 175 to 194.

 

The Committee were advised that the Members’’ Update included a slight variation of wording to Condition 5.

 

Simon Weeks commented that the application had received no objection, and had received the support of the case officer.

 

RESOLVED That application number 202103 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 176 to 178, and variation to condition 5 as set out in the Members’ Update.