Issue - meetings

(Councillor Richard Crumly declared an interest in Agenda Item 4(1), by the virtue of the fact that he was present at that Thatcham Town Council meeting when the matter was considered. He reported that, he remained impartial and would consider the matter afresh this evening; therefore, as his interest was a personal or another registrable interest, but not a disclosable pecuniary interest, he determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.)

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 17/03079/COMIND in respect of a flood alleviation scheme which comprised a series of strategically located bunds (earth embankments) in Dunstan Green and Siege Cross play area varying in height from 0.4m to 1m. The proposed works would also entail the erection of a 1 metre bund alongside the access track within allotments to the east of Dunstan Green and a section of bund on allotment land on the west of the allotment site. A bund of heights between 50cm and 80cm was proposed on land to the north west of Kennet School sports pitches with a shallow swale approximately 440m long along the perimeter of the Kennet School sports pitches to collect and convey water into storage basins with a 50cm depth in Siege Cross play area, allowing the water to drain at a controlled rate into the existing surface water sewer system. The scheme also included re-profiling a section of Harts Hill Road and excavation of a 50cm depth swale to divert water off the carriageway and into Dunstan Green.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Ms Liz Wood, objector, Mr Iain Dunn (Thatcham Flood Forum), supporter, and Mr Brian Cafferkey  and Mrs Liz Allen, agents, addressed the Committee on this application.

Ms Liz Wood in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·         At the site meeting Officers had stated that the bund was outside the perimeter fence of the allotments but it was inside so that was a mistake;

·         The allotments near Dunstan Green had not been included in any written statements and no notices had been displayed on the allotments;

·         The use of the land was statutory allotment land and therefore the proper consultation had not been undertaken;

·         Ms Wood referred to the swept path analysis and amended bund drawing showing the allotment site that was attached to the Update Sheet. She stated that this had been undertaken using a Skoda car which was not a large car. Many people who used the allotments needed access with a car and a trailer and there would not be sufficient space to allow that access;

·         Ms Wood referred to a bund which had originally been included in the plans and then had been removed. It was then put back in just five days before the meeting but had been reduced in size. She queried why that had happened and was concerned that the authority said that it could predict where the water would flow but plans kept on changing;

·         Ms Wood  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51