Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement.

Proposal: Full application for the permanent retention of Stages 1 and 2 permitted under planning permission ref: 214183, and the erection of a new Virtual Production Sound Stage (Stage 3), together with associated access arrangements, parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure, including security fencing and hut and welfare facilities (part retrospective).

Applicant: Winnersh Film Studios Ltd

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 141 to 180.

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

·         Additional consultation responses from Thames Water, National Highways, and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service;

·         Insertion of document reference to condition 9;

·         Additional conditions 20 (foul water drainage), and 21 (sustainability);

·         Additional informatives 17 (foul water drainage), 18 and 19 (surface water), 20 (water mains), and 21 (fire safety).

Joanna Carter, case officer, informed the Committee that condition 20 (as set out within the Supplementary Planning Agenda) was now proposed to be amended as follows: “Prior to the toilet block and welfare facilities (located within the security building) hereby approved are brought into use, confirmation shall be provided that either…” Joanna added that the subsequent text attracted no proposed amendments.

Oliver Bell, agent, spoke in support of the application. Oliver stated that this application followed previously approved planning permission for two temporary stages and workshops at other sites within the business park. The film and TV industries were some of the fastest growing within the UK economy, whilst the shortage of purpose-built studios and production support space remained a limiting factor. Since temporary planning permission was granted at this site a short while ago, a major international feature film had been shot and in addition to a high-end TV series, bringing significant economic benefits to the local area. Oliver stated that this permanent application would mark an important step in the establishment of Winnersh Film Studios, with 50,000 square foot of office space continuing to be available for incoming productions. Approximately 300 direct jobs would be created by this application, whilst the applicant’s overall plans had the potential to create 500 jobs subject to planning approvals. Oliver stated that the local economy would be bolstered and supported by this application, and the proposals would also comply with biodiversity net gain requirements and would include the provision of solar panels. No objections had been raised by local residents, local ward members, statutory consultees or the Parish Council with regards to this application.

Stephen Conway commented that he approved of good utilisation of employment space within a core employment area which would benefit the wider economy, whilst the applicant had used the opportunity granted via temporary planning permission to confirm that the site could be a success for such a purpose.

RESOLVED That application number 222366 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 164 to 174, additional conditions 20 and 21 as set out within the Supplementary Planning Agenda, additional informatives 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 as set out within the Supplementary Planning Agenda, amendment to the wording of condition 20 as advised by the case officer, and subject to legal agreement.