Issue - meetings

(Councillor Adrian Abbs declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he rented a paddock from the applicant. As his interest was personal and not prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest, he 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 20/02026/PACOU in respect of St Gabriels Farm, Cold Ash. Prior approval was sought for a change of use of agricultural buildings to 5 dwellings.

2.     In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr Bernard Clark, Cold Ash Council, Mr Christopher Sayers, objector, and Mr Steven Smallman, agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

3.     Mrs Sian Cutts, 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 were recommending that the Head of Planning and Development be authorised to grant prior approval, subject to the conditions outlined in the main report and update report.

4.     The Chairman asked Mr Gareth Dowding, Principal Engineer (Traffic and Road Safety), if he had any observations relating to the application. Mr Dowding noted that Highways Officers were content with the proposal.

Parish/Town Council Representation

5.     Mr Clark in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·         He explained that Parish Council’s response to the application would be an emotional one. It would also be informed by officer’s comments made during the site visit, which had been clear and helpful.

·         The Parish Council considered that there were two issues on which Councillors could object to the application. One was sustainability and the other was environmental issues.

·         In terms of sustainability, the current Class Q buildings were flimsy and unsustainable, unlike farm buildings of the past. The foundations of the brick building seemed non-existent, the brick wall was crumbling, and there was an asbestos/concrete roof. From his examination, the other building had been constructed from flimsy soft wood.

·         He was unsure how a builder would be able to convert what would be left of the buildings. Therefore in terms of sustainability the scheme was laughable.

·         With regards to environmental issues, the fields to the North of Cold Ash were a site of great natural beauty, and traffic from the new access track would diminish these areas. It would be unnecessarily urbanising one of the area’s most beautiful places.

·         There was a reasonable access from the ridge. He hoped that there would be a way to persuade the developers to think again, so as not to despoil the area.

·         He queried why anyone would want to drive a wedge through a beautiful field, and reflected that a more suspicious person might conclude that there was a plan to develop the field, and close the gap between Thatcham and Cold Ash.

·         He noted that if Members were minded to refuse the application that the developer may consider the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3