Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was submitted from Councillor John Jarvis.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 October 2017.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 11 October 2017 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

There are a number of references to the Members' Update within these minutes. The Members' Update was circulated to all present prior to the meeting.  It also contains details of properties to be visited prior to the next Planning Meeting.  A copy is attached.

To receive any declaration of interest

Councillor John Kaiser declared a personal interest in Item 55, application 171467 – Land between 24 and 25 Gorrick Square, Wokingham, RG41 2PA, on the grounds that he was a Director of Loddon Homes Limited.  He did not participate in the discussion of this item or the vote.

To consider any recommendations to defer applications from the schedule and to note any applications that may have been withdrawn.

No applications were recommended for deferral, or withdrawn.

Recommendation:  Conditional Approval

Proposal:  Full planning application for the redevelopment of the Carnival Pool site to create leisure led development as part of the regeneration of Wokingham town centre.  The proposals include the demolition of all existing buildings on site and the construction of: a leisure centre (use class D2); library (use class D1); restaurant (use class A3); commercial unit for non-residential institution or assembly and leisure use (use classes D1 or D2); 55 dwellings (use class C3); pedestrian and vehicular access including a pedestrian boulevard and realignment of Wellington Road; car parking; hard and soft landscaping; realignment of an existing footpath; drainage and infrastructure works; and associated servicing and utilities.

Applicant: Wokingham Borough Council

Councillor Angus Ross indicated that he had been involved in the concept of Carnival Pool in his previous role as Executive Member for Environment but had not been involved in the planning process.  He still had an open mind with regards to the decision.

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in Agenda pages 11 to 78.

The Committee was advised that the Members’ Update included:

·         Two additional representations;

·         Clarification that not all activities, for example exercise classes that used music, would be covered by a premises licence;

·         Wokingham Town Council’s comments on the application;

·         An updated recommendation.

Members had visited the site on 6 November 2017.

Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, Wokingham Town Council, spoke to the application.  Whilst the Town Council largely welcomed the application concerns had been expressed regarding parking provision and Imogen Shepherd-DuBey questioned whether it would be sufficient for those with disabilities in particular.  She commented that there was no provision for bus stops along Wellington Road and that the transport plan did not reflect the reality of the current bus service.  She questioned whether cyclists and pedestrians travelling to and from the site were adequately provided for and if the proposed cycle storage would be sufficient.  In addition she commented that the grey anthracite windows proposed for the blocks of flats were out of keeping with the surrounding area and would date quickly.  With regards to the swimming pool, Imogen Shepherd-DuBey emphasised that the current pool had a splash/beach pool for young children and that she believed similar should be provided in future.

Keith Malvern, resident, spoke in objection to the application.  He questioned why the previous application had not been proceeded with.  He went on to emphasise the need to gain the views of an independent financial adviser as to whether the scheme could or could not support affordable housing.

David Smith and Philip Mirfin spoke on behalf of Wokingham Borough Council, applicant, in favour of the application.  Philip Mirfin commented that there was a need for regeneration and that the Council had a proven track record of regeneration for Wokingham.  David Smith commented that the scale and the layout of the application remained largely the same as the previous application.  He informed Members that there had been extensive stakeholder engagement.

Oliver Whittle, Ward Member for Wescott spoke in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

Recommendation:  Conditional Approval subject to a legal agreement

(Councillor John Kaiser declared a personal interest in this item and did not take not take part in the vote on the application)

Proposal:  Full application for the proposed erection of a 3no bed dwelling with associated management facilities, garden and 4no on site car parking spaces.

Applicant: Wokingham Housing Limited

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in Agenda pages 79 to 94.

Darren Toes, Wokingham Housing Limited, applicant, spoke in favour of the application. 

In response to a Member question regarding boundary treatment for the driveway the Planning Officer indicated that there was a condition which related to future landscaping.

RESOLVED:  That Application no 171467 be approved subject to a legal agreement to secure translocation of slow worms and the conditions set out in Agenda pages 80 to 82.

Recommendation:  Conditional Approval

Proposal:  Full planning application for the redevelopment of site to provide a new class B2/B8 industrial unit with ancillary office space and associated storage areas, car parking and landscaping

Applicant:  Standard Life Assurance Ltd.

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in Agenda pages 95 to 118.

The Committee was advised that the Members’ Update included proposed amendments to conditions 13, 14 and 16.

Members had visited the site previously.

The Committee discussed the operating hours and the possible noise from vehicles making deliveries late at night.  Members were reminded that the nearest residential property was over 150m away from the site.

RESOLVED:  That Application no 171903 be approved subject to the conditions set out in Agenda pages 96 to 100, with conditions 13, 14 and 16 amended as set out in the Members’ Update.