Issue - meetings

(Councillor Billy Drummond declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was a Trustee of the St Bartholomew’s Charitable Foundation. As his interest was a other registrable interest, he would be leaving the meeting during the course of consideration of the matter and would take no part in the debate or voting on the matter.)

(Councillors Jeff Beck 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’s and the Planning and Highways Committee. They had been present when the application was discussed, but would consider the application afresh. As their interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest they determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillor Adrian Edwards declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council and the Planning and Highways Committee but had not participated in the discussion of the application. He was also a resident of Fifth Road and formerly a Trustee of the St Bartholomew’s Charitable Foundation but had resigned. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 18/03144/FUL in respect of the proposed demolition of the sports pavilion and erection of a single storey replacement pavilion and new parking area.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr Alan Bradshaw, Mr Steve Sanders and Mr Chris Jones, objectors, Mr Bob Broadbridge, supporter,  and Mrs Julia Mortimore and Mr Jonathan Gratton, applicant/agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

Matthew Shepherd 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.

Mr Sanders, Jones and Bradshaw in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·         Residents had been told repeatedly that there would be no change to the use of the site but the proposed conditions for hours of use suggested that the pavilion could be used on Saturday evenings by unknown groups.

·         The proposed design did not constitute a like for like replacement of the pavilion.

·         The school’s traffic policy was unenforceable. The road became gridlocked by coaches on match days.

·         Hours of use should be limited. Newbury Athletic Club only used the site on Thursday evenings. It did not make sense for use of the site to be permitted until 10pm 6 days per week.

·         Visitors to the site parked irresponsibly in the area which posed a health and safety risk. The proposal would be more appealing and attract more visitors.

Councillor Paul Bryant enquired what hours of use the objectors would like to see imposed on the site.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39