Issue - meetings

(Councillors Jeff Beck, Andy Moore and Tony Vickers declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that they were Members of Newbury Town Council, which supported the retention of football facilities at Faraday Road. As their interest was personal and not prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest, they determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.)

(Councillor Howard Woollaston declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was the Executive Portfolio Holder for Internal Governance, Leisure and Culture. However, he noted that the London Road Industrial Estate Redevelopment Site was within the remit of the Executive Portfolio Holder for Finance and Economic Development. 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.)

(Councillors Hilary Cole and Howard Woollaston declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that they sat on the London Road Industrial Estate Working Party. As their interest was personal and not prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest, they determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.)

(Councillor Tony Vickers declared that he had been lobbied on Agenda Item 4(1).)

1.     The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 30/01530/OUT in respect of Newbury Football Club, Newbury Football Club, Faraday Road, Newbury.

2.     Mr Masie Masiiwa, 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.     The Chairman asked Mr Paul Goddard, Team Leader (Highways Development Control), if he had any observations relating to the application. Mr Goddard stated that the proposal was to replace existing activities, with most events occurring in the off-peak. Therefore, few concerns around traffic had been raised, and it was acceptable in highways terms.

4.     In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr Vaughan Miller, Newbury Town Council, Mr Paul Morgan and Mr John Stewart, applicants, addressed the Committee on this application.

Parish/Town Council Representation

5.     Mr Vaughan Miller, Newbury Town Council, in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·         Newbury Town Council supported the application, and it was also supported by the Football Association, Sport England, the Football Foundation, and the Newbury Society. The Town Council’s Strategy sought set the aim that a first class football ground and stadium would enable and facilitate football teams that could play at National League level for men, and a Southern Premier League level for women, as well as youth teams.

·         The aspiration of the Town Council is for the grounds to be within a walking distance of the town centre, providing an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28