Issue - meetings

(Councillors Phil Barnett, Tony Vickers and Andy Moore declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that they were members of Newbury Town Council and its Planning and Highways Committee where this applications had already been discussed. Councillor Vickers also declared that his wife was a ward member and had previously indicated her opposition to this application. Councillor Moore also declared that he had been lobbied on the application. As their interests were personal and not prejudicial, or a disclosable pecuniary interest, they 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 20/01326/FUL in respect of 11 - 13 Market Place, Newbury. The applicant sought permission for a change of use of the ground floor from betting shop (Sui Generis) use to adult gaming and amusement centre with bingo (Sui Generis), including installation of associated signage comprising 1no. externally illuminated fascia sign and 1no. externally illuminated projecting sign.

2.         Mr David Pearson, Team Leader – Development Control, 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 to approve the application subject to the conditions outlined in the report and update sheet.

Removal of Speaking Rights

3.         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.

4.         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.

5.         In accordance with the Extraordinary Council resolution, written submissions relating to this application were received from Mr Barney Ray, agent, who was not able to attend the remote meeting.

6.         Individual written submissions were published online along with the agenda: http://decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=155&MId=6067&Ver=4

Agent’s Submission 

7.         The Clerk read out the representation.

Member’s Questions to Officers

8.         Councillor Tony Vickers asked how the proposed condition on sound reduction would be implemented. He suggested that it was difficult to ensure this was implemented and effective prior to the development coming into use.

9.         Mr Pearson indicated that the Council did not have the resources to proactively monitor every condition imposed and that they had to rely on applicants implementing conditions as agreed. However, he noted that agents were aware of the consequences if there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35