Issue - meetings

(Councillor Carolyne Culver declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that she had been lobbied on the application and also that the application was within the Ridgeway ward she represented. As her interest was personal and not prejudicial, 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 20/01226/FUL in respect of land at Old Station Business Park, High Street, Compton. The applicant sought retrospective permission for external works, m/e works to include ductwork, steel gantry, external plant, external enclosure (fencing), retaining walls, air handling unit and chiller, gas bottle store, solvent stores all concerning unit 10, 11, 12 (existing building). Building alterations include modifications to internal space planning, revised external door design to fire escape doors, omitting roof lights and glazed top and side panel to entrance doors (front elevation) and two windows on the east elevation at first floor and adjusted soil vent pipes (SVP) positions.

2.         Mr Matthew Shepherd, Senior Planning Officer, introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material planning considerations. In conclusion, the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable in planning terms, and officers recommended that the Head of Planning and Development be authorised to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions outlined in the main and update reports.

3.         Councillor Clive Hooker asked the Highways Officer if he had any observations relating to the application. Mr Paul Goddard, Team Leader - Highways Development Control, confirmed that he had no highway objections and that previous concerns about loss of parking spaces had been addressed in the latest plans.

Removal of Speaking Rights

4.         As resolved at the Extraordinary Council meeting held on 29 April 2020, public speaking rights were removed for virtual Council meetings. This right was replaced with the ability to make written submissions. This decision was made in accordance with The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panels Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020.

5.         The above changes to speaking rights were subsequently amended at the Council meeting on 10 September 2020. It was agreed that parties making written submissions in relation to a planning application would be invited to attend the remote meeting of the Planning Committee to answer any questions that Members of the Committee might wish to ask in order to seek clarification on any part of their statement.

6.         In accordance with the Extraordinary Council resolution, written submissions relating to this application were received from Mr Keith Simms on behalf of Compton Parish Council, Mr Keith Simms, Mr Peter Jones, Dr and Mrs Vaughan, objectors and Ms Jaymeni Patel, Agent. Those able to attend the remote meeting were, Mr Simms, Mr Jones and Ms Patel.

7.         Individual written submissions were published online along with the agenda - http://decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=155&MId=5735&Ver=4

Parish  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31