Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional Approval.

Proposal:  Full planning application or the erection of a 2 storey sixth form block, the creation of a new staff parking area via Rances Lane, alterations to the existing car park, provision of a new MUGA (Multi Use Games Area), and use of the existing Sixth Form as a new ASD Unit involving the erection of 2 Canopies and the provision of a drop off area.

Applicant:  Mr Tim Searle (Wokingham Borough Council)

The Committee received and reviewed a report regarding the application, set out in Agenda pages 99 to 140.

The Committee was advised that the Members’ Update included:

·         One new objection;

·         A proposed amendment to condition 17 (clarification of hours of illumination);

·         A proposed amendment to condition 18 (linking of Construction Management Plan with the phasing of the development);

·         Clarifications and amendments to the report;

·         Additional information regarding student and staff numbers and proposed parking;

·         Information regarding MUGA Noise Assessment.

It was noted that Members visited the site on Friday 20 May 2016.

Mr Kennett, resident, spoke in objection to the application.  Mr Kennett stated that screening currently in place would be removed and asked that consideration be given to adding screening to reduce noise disturbance and ensure residents’ privacy.  He stated that the lights on the science block were left on at night, creating light pollution.

It was noted that conditions 12 and 14 related to landscaping and also acoustic fences to the boundary with 1A to 3 Chedwode Close, along the side boundary of the Westmeade Day Care Centre, and to the boundary of ‘the Croft’.  The Committee requested that an informative about consultation of neighbours at 3 Chetwode Close on the replacement of landscaping for lost trees put in at the time of the construction of the science block be added.  Members also requested that an informative requesting cowling of the existing lights on the science block be added.

Members asked about traffic flow and staff parking.  The Service Manager, Highways Development Management stated that the new parking area would not generate significant traffic flow and that staff allocated a parking space would be issued with a fob to access the parking area.

RESOVLED:  That application No. 160421 be approved, subject to the conditions set out on Agenda pages 100 to 105 with conditions 17 and 18 as set out in the Members’ Update.