Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional Approval.

Proposal: Full application for the proposed erection of 10no 3 bed semi-detached, affordable dwellings at the Former Age Concern site, South Lake Crescent.

Applicant: Ms Holly Messenger, Wokingham Housing Ltd

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 75 to 118.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·           Amended condition 3(b);

·           Amended condition 6;

·           Amended condition 10;

·           Amended condition 15;

·           Amended condition 21;

·           New condition 24;

·           New informative 6;

·           Correction to the final sentence of paragraph 86 of the report;

·           Amended recommendation to reflect the requirement for a legal agreement to secure the employment skills plan;

·           New informative 7.

David Bragg, Woodley Town Council, spoke in objection to the application. He stated that Woodley Town Council had recommended the application for refusal, based predominantly on parking related issues. David added that the Town Council want to see the current site redeveloped, however they wished for this scheme to include communal parking. David stated that there was no restriction for on street parking within South Lake Crescent and the street parking was currently used by existing residents. David added that the road width of 4.8m at its most narrow point was difficult to allow two large cars to pass, and could restrict emergency vehicles access to the properties if any cars were parked on the street. David stated that there would be an increase in the risk of collision on the road as a result of the proposed dwellings, specifically at the bend of the road where there was a blind spot. David stated that most residents would have to drive to access local amenities, and added that the Town Council would prefer less dwellings on the site with provision for communal parking. David asked the Committee to consider implementing a one way system should they be minded to approve the application.

Martin Few, Architect, spoke in favour of the application. Martin stated that he had worked alongside the applicant (Wokingham Housing Ltd) to redevelop the current site. Martin added that the plans and designs of the proposal had been tweaked throughout the process as a result of feedback and community engagement. Martin stated that the public consultations had been very positive, with most of the concerns being focussed on car parking. Martin added that the proposals, including car parking provisions, were in line with policy and regulations and were in keeping with the street scene.

Abdul Loyes, Ward Member, spoke in favour of the application. Abdul stated that Woodley needed more affordable housing, and was of the opinion that the proposed 3 bedroom semi-detached properties would be a welcome addition to the affordable housing supply within Woodley. Abdul added that he welcomed condition 13 (Off Site Works). Abdul stated that the public consultation had been very positive, however he acknowledged resident concerns regarding car parking. Abdul stated his support for the proposals, and hoped that the Committee would consider and approve more affordable housing schemes in the future. Abdul asked that the Committee approve the application, whilst taking in to account the concerns of the residents.

Judy Kelly, Highways Development Manager, responded to concerns raised by some of the speakers regarding parking issues. She stated that the parking provision at the proposed development met Wokingham’s car parking standards. Judy added that there was currently spare capacity with the on street parking, and the 10 new vehicular access points would help to prohibit parking in this area. Judy stated that the provision of a footway would improve visibility on the street, and added that the 4.8m minimum road width was deemed acceptable and clarified that the road was situated in a quiet location. Judy stated that changing the road to a one way system would be outside of the scope of the application and would not stand up at a subsequent appeal. Judy noted that the site was previously used as a day care centre, which would not have a dissimilar trip rate to that of the proposed application.

Simon Taylor, Case Officer, clarified that the proposed development was within walking distance to the Woodley Town Centre, with a selection of bus stops on the route.

The Committee welcomed the development of high quality affordable housing schemes within the Borough such as this application.

Carl Doran queried why the affordable housing mix was split 60/40 (affordable renting to shared ownership) rather than 70/30 as stated in the core strategy. In response, Simon Taylor stated that the 70/30 split formed a part of the 2010 core strategy, and as such these figures could change over time. Simon added that the percentage split had been assessed by a Policy Officer and was deemed acceptable.

RESOLVED: That application 183380 be approved subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 75 to 83, amended conditions 3(b), 6, 10, 15 and 21 as set out in the Members’ Update, new condition 24 and new informatives 6 and 7 as set out in the Members’ Update, and subject to legal agreement as set out in the Members’ Update.