Agenda item

RECOMMENDATION:  Conditional Approval

Proposal: Full planning application for the proposed erection of a new Gateway building containing offices for creative industries (including film, television and ancillary support uses) and ancillary café with associated landscaping. (Application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment and is a potential departure from the Local Plan)

Applicant: Shinfield Studios

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 193 to 255.

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

·       Amendment of applicant name from University of Reading to Shinfield Studios.

·       Update building height from 5 stories to 4 stories with plant room above

·       Confirmation that Southern Gas Networks have withdrawn their objection.

·       Updated recommendation.

·       Amended paragraph 25.

Mark Owen, agent, spoke in support of the application.  He indicated that the application would provide space for creative industries, including film and television.  He went on to state that the Gateway policy which controlled the type of businesses to be located at the Science Park had been amended under the wider Shinfield Studios application to include businesses relating to the digital and creative sector.  This amended Gateway policy would be included as part of the S106 agreement for the application.  Providing space for creative industries would align and support the wider influence of Shinfield Studios at a local and national level.  The proposal would create employment opportunities for approximately 415 employees and 420 jobs at the construction stage, boosting employment in the area.  He highlighted that the mass would be broken up by cladding, and energy efficiency measures such as PV panels and the use of heat pumps.  It was noted that the proposed building would achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent.’

Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey encouraged the applicant to offer apprenticeships.

Michael Firmager questioned whether the cladding would be fire retardant and was informed that it need to meet building regulations so should be.

RESOLVED:  That application 231837 be approved subject to completion of a legal agreement within 6 months of the committee resolution (unless a longer date is agreed by the Assistant Director of Planning and Chairman of Planning Committee) as detailed in the Supplementary Agenda, and conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 217 to 227.