Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement

Proposal: Full planning application for the proposed erection of one 6no. bedroom dwelling with attached double garage and ancillary annex, provision of new access, gates, bike storage and bin storage.

Applicant: Mr and Mrs Ramsey

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 117 to 154.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included clarification that the recommendation on page 118 had been inadvertently swapped with the recommendation on page 156. For clarity, the recommendation for the subject application was set out in agenda pages 118 to 125, with the bold text on page 118 swapped with the bold text on page 156.

Paul Kelly, resident, spoke in objection to the application. Paul stated that this was an unusual application, with the site being split into two separate but similar planning applications. Paul added that there were inaccuracies within the report, including incorrect totals of supporting comments and objecting comments. Paul was of the opinion that the application had created confusion as a result of being split in to two parts. Paul stated that the Committee had not been provided with full evidence nor the complete details of this application. Paul added that Victoria Road was used as on-street parking by residents who did not have access to sufficient parking on their properties, and the area outside the proposed development was the only available area for some residents. Paul concluded by stating that the proposed access was dangerous for cyclists and other highways users, and was contrary to CP6.

Carl Ramsey, applicant, spoke in support of the application. Carl stated that the current dwelling was dated, and the plan had always been to renovate the existing property. However, there were various structural problems with the existing dwelling, including a ceiling that had collapsed, which had meant that it would be necessary to build new properties on the site. Carl stated that they had worked closely with Wokingham Borough Council’s Planning department throughout the planning process. Carl commented that there was not a number 2, 4 or 6 Victoria Road as the site was originally designated for additional houses, however they were intent on making the site their ‘forever home’. Carl stated that a considerable amount of work and consultation had been undertaken between neighbours, and their closest neighbours were supportive of the scheme. Carl added that there were no objections from any of the relevant Council department or consultative authorities. Carl stated that all relevant planning policy had been followed, and on-street parking would still be available on Victoria Road.

John Halsall, Ward Member, prepared a statement regarding this application and in his absence it was read out by the Vice Chairman. John apologised to the Committee as he was unable to be present on the evening. John stated that he had listed this application on the grounds that it was controversial. John added that he was neither supporting the application nor objecting to it. John stated that therefore it should be referred to Committee, so that all parties could see that the process was transparent and fair. John believed that the scheme could be improved so that it was not controversial should the applicant were willing. John referred the Committee to the comments made by the Parish Council. John was of the opinion that the introduction of a new entrance in this location was incompatible with the street scene in relation to highway safety, and should there be a single entrance to the whole site (the existing 8 Victoria Road site) the objection to the application would be withdrawn. John stated that should this application be approved, the Parish Council requested that Permitted Development Rights be withdrawn.

A number of Members queried whether this application would make the on-street parking noticeably worse on Victoria Road, by means of increasing the entrances from one total on the existing site to two total across the two plots. Judy Kelly, Highways Development Manager, stated that there was capacity elsewhere on Victoria Road for parking and there was therefore not a highways safety concern related to this application.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey queried whether the applicant could install a dropped kerb without planning permission. Simon Weeks stated that this would be subject to a highways application, and would therefore be outside of the planning application process.

RESOLVED That application number 191573 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 118 to 125 (with the bold text on page 118 swapped with the bold text on page 156).