Issue - meetings

(Councillor Phil Barnett also declared that he was a member of Newbury Town Council’s Planning and Highways Committee but reported that, as his interest was a personal or an other registrable interest, but not a disclosable pecuniary interest, he 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), as she was Ward Member for Chieveley and Cold Ash, however she was not a Member of Cold Ash Parish Council. As her interests were personal and not prejudicial, or a disclosable pecuniary interest, she determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.)

(Councillor Tony Vickers declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) that he had commented on this site as a member of West Berkshire Spokes. As his interests were personal and not prejudicial, or a disclosable pecuniary interest, he determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.)

(Councillors Adrian Abbs, Phil Barnett, Dennis Benneyworth, Jeff Cant, Hilary Cole, Carolyne Culver, Tony Vickers and Howard Woollaston declared that they had been lobbied Agenda Item 4(1).)

1.         The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 20/00604/FULEXT in respect of Coley Farm, Stoney Lane, Ashmore Green. The applicant sought permission for the erection of 75 dwellings, with associated access, parking, internal roads, drainage, landscaping, children's play space and other associated infrastructure.

2.         Mr Simon Till, Principal Planning Officer, introduced the report to Members, which took account of all relevant policy considerations and other material planning considerations. In conclusion, the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable in planning terms, provided that a Section 106 Agreement could be completed by the required date. Officers recommended to approve the application subject to the conditions outlined in the report and update sheet.

3.         The Chairman asked Mr Paul Goddard, Team Leader - Highways Development Control, if he had any observations relating to the application. Mr Goddard confirmed that this was an allocated site with outline consent, and that traffic matters had been considered as part of the previous application. He noted that a secondary access to the north of the site had been deleted. He confirmed that off-site highway works would still be provided, including the widening of Stoney Lane, extension of the 30 mph speed limit, and provision of a footway to the south of the site. He explained that members were being asked to consider layout and that Highway Officers were happy with all aspects of the layout, car parking, cycle storage and electric vehicle charging points.

Removal of Speaking Rights

4.         As resolved at the Extraordinary Council meeting held on 29 April 2020, public speaking rights had been removed for virtual Council meetings. This right had been 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)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39