Agenda item

Recommendation:  Conditional approval of reserved matters

Proposal: Reserved Matters application pursuant to Outline Planning Consent O/2014/2179, as varied by application 181194. The Reserved Matters comprise details of the Nine Mile Ride Extension (southern section) and Hogwood Spur roads, together with associated landscaping, footpaths, cycleways and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. Details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be considered

Applicant: L&G Homes

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 49 to 84.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·           Amendment to Condition 6;

·           Correction to paragraph 11;

·           Correction to paragraph 29;

·           Correction to paragraph 36.

Steve Sugihara, resident, spoke in objection to the application. Steve stated that he had made several comments with regards to this application and felt that these had not been adequately addressed within the report. Steve was of the opinion that 30Mph was a high speed on the south side of Park Lane, and it could be very difficult for pedestrians to see oncoming traffic. Steve added that there was no U-turn facility on this proposed road extension. Steve queried why a four-way junction was being proposed and felt that this would be difficult to use. Steve was of the opinion that no assessment had been carried out with regards to the proposed four-way junction.

Simon Weeks commented that a turning head would be available at the Robinson Crusoe Park, where a barrier was present.

Judy Kelly, Highways Development Manager, stated that the four-way junction was considered via a safety audit, and following the audit all safety issues raised had been addressed within the proposed plans.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey queried how many trees would be felled as part of these proposals. Nick Chancellor, Case Officer, stated that the exact amount of trees proposed to be felled was not currently known, however a tree boulevard would be created as part of this application. In addition, a landscape scheme was condition to be submitted.

Simon Weeks commented that a considerable amount of Officer time had been used in order to place Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) on all high profile trees across the SDL.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey queried how many trees were proposed to be removed, and how many trees were proposed to be planted as part of this application. Simon Weeks commented that the details of this would form part of the conditioned landscape plan.

Gary Cowan and Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey requested that a copy of the landscape and archaeology plans be shared with them, when completed. Nick Chancellor confirmed to action this.

Stephen Conway proposed an additional Informative stating that it was an aspiration of Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to plant significantly more trees within the Borough as part of the response to the declared climate emergency, and therefore requested that the applicant consider to accommodate a significant increase in trees planted compared to trees felled within the site. This proposal was moved and seconded by Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey and added to the list of Informatives.

Abdul Loyes queried whether the parking restrictions outside the school would be permanent or temporary. Judy Kelly stated that plans for parking restrictions were already being worked on in the form of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). Judy added that placement of double yellow lines were to be expected within the detailed designs.

Simon Weeks commented that the proposals would move traffic away from problematic highways areas, and objections had broadly been addressed. Simon queried when the proposed road was estimated to open. Judy Kelly stated that officers were ready to move into the detailed design stage, and the proposed road could be expected to open within the next few years. Judy stated that the trigger point for this development had been met, and the western section of the road was likely to be constructed first.

RESOLVED That application number 192997 be approved, subject to Conditions and Informatives as set out in agenda pages 50 to 55, amendment to Condition 6 as set out in the Members’ Update, and additional Informative as resolved by the Committee.