Issue - meetings

(Councillors Jeff Beck, Adrian Edwards, Billy Drummond and Anthony Pick declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that they were Members of Newbury Town Council (NTC). Councillors Pick and Edwards were present when the application was discussed, but would consider the application afresh. As their interest was personal and not an other registrable or a disclosable pecuniary interest, they determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.))

(Councillor Hilary Cole declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1)  by virtue of the fact that she is the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing. As her interest was personal and not an other registrable or a disclosable pecuniary interest, she determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.)

1             The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 16/00669/OUTMAJ in respect of land off Pinchington Lane and Greenham Road and a new public open space and wildlife area with 157 dwellings and new road accesses.

2             In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mrs Lucy Crofts, objector, and Mr Steven Smallman (Pro Vision), Mr Allan Bell (Hydrock) and Mr John Birch (Glanville), applicant/agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

3             Michael Butler introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material considerations. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable and a conditional approval was justifiable. Officers recommended the Committee grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a section 106 obligation.

4             The Chairman drew attention to page two, paragraph two of the Update Report and asked that if the need for a cap, and therefore an increase in the site levels, was under discussion whether the application would need to be reconsidered. Michael Butler explained that this had been looked at carefully by Officers and had been conditioned, however it was up to Members to make a decision on the visual impact of the proposal.

5             Councillor Jeff Beck sought clarification as to whether the increased height would be across the entire site or just where the properties would be built. Michael Butler suggested that the applicant might be able to give a detailed answer to this query. Councillor Beck asked for confirmation of the number of dwellings as stated on page 46, second line of the agenda. Michael Butler confirmed that there was an error and that the proposal was for 157 homes rather than 75.

6             Councillor Hilary Cole addressed a question to the Highways Officer as to what logic was used to decide between the use of cross-roads in preference to a mini-roundabout. Paul Goddard informed the Committee that a four-arm mini-roundabout would not work well in this situation and that a cross-roads would allow for traffic to move from each direction and would reduce the potential for a rat-run through the estate.

7             Councillor Cole also enquired what provision was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43