Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement

Proposal: Full application for the proposed temporary erection of 2no. sound stage buildings for commercial filming and 8no. workshops, with associated access, parking, landscaping and infrastructure for a period of five years (retrospective).

Applicant: Stage Fifty

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

The Committee were advised that updates contained within the Supplementary Planning Agenda included:

·         Additional representation from Winnersh Parish Council, which should be read in conjunction with comments previously submitted;

·         Insertion of plans related to condition 1;

·         Update to the detailed floor space figures;

·         Updated paragraph 16;

·         Additional condition 17.

Oliver Bell, agent, spoke in support of the application. Oliver stated that the applicant specialised in the design, build and operation of professional design stages and boutique film and television studios across the UK and Europe, with clients including Netflix and Sony. Oliver added that the film sector was one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK, however a shortage of purpose built studios and production support space was a major issue in the UK, and this temporary application was seeking to accommodate the needs of a major international production company. Oliver commented that this application formed part of the first stage of the applicant’s investment plans, with a permanent application for a set of wider proposals due to be lodged later this year. Oliver stated that the intention was to deliver a creative quarter via the delivery of Winnersh film studios, and the applicant had committed to delivery of 25,000 square feet of office space with a final studio plan comprising of six sound stages and 50,000 square feet of work shop across the business park. The application before the Committee would create 250 direct and 250 indirect jobs, whilst the overall plans had the potential to create further 250 direct jobs, whilst also contributing to 250 indirect jobs relating to areas such as food provision and make-up. Oliver noted that the retrospective application was regrettable, however due to the slow nature of the English planning system the economic opportunity associated with the development would have been lost to Wokingham and likely the UK as a whole should works not have taken place. Oliver stated that Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) officers had worked positively on the application, and positive engagement had taken place with the parish Council, whilst no resident objections had been received.

Chris Bowring noted that Ward Members Prue Bray and Paul Fishwick had submitted comments in support of the application.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey commented that Wokingham was quickly becoming the Hollywood of the United Kingdom, and added her desire to see youth apprenticeships offered at the site.

Pauline Jorgensen queried where vehicles which used the previous overspill car park were parking now. Joanna Carter, case officer, stated that the applicant had advised that car park use was now lower as a result of hybrid working. Joanna added that should the application for permanent permission come forward, the applicant will be required to show that the application will not have a detrimental impact on local car parking or the highway network.

Stephen Conway concurred with the desire to see local apprenticeships offered, and stated his regret to see a retrospective application. Despite this, Stephen felt that this was an application that the Committee could safely support.

Andrew Mickleburgh stated that the application had considerable merits, and stated his regret to see it come forward as a retrospective application. Andrew queried whether some biodiversity net gain could be sought off-site. Joanna Carter stated that there would be a small loss of biodiversity on site, however an off-site biodiversity net gain to reflect this would be secured via S106 agreement.

Bill Soane queried whether there was any proposal for live audiences on site. Joanna Carter confirmed that the site would not be available for public use.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey stated that this was previously an unused site and it was great to see it get used, though it was regrettable that the application was retrospective.

Sam Akhtar commented that he was pleased to see the film industry becoming increasingly interested in the Borough, and queried whether any considerations had been given to fire safety and noise pollution. Joanna Carter stated that the building would be sound proofed, and the design of the stage was such that noise would not permeate the building. Joanna added that fire resistance of construction materials was a matter dealt with under Building Regulations, and there was liaison between the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and applicant in relation to the roof design, and a change to the roof material could be submitted during the condition discharge application if required.

RESOLVED That application number 214183 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 144 to 152, additional condition 17 as set out within the Supplementary Planning Agenda, and subject to legal agreement, noting that the resolution included delegation of the authority to refuse in the event of S106 agreement not being completed within 3 months unless longer period agreed in writing.