Issue - meetings

(Councillor Phil Barnett declared an interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council’s Planning and Highways Committee. 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 Tony Vickers declared an interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was a long term local resident. Councillor Vickers added that he was predisposed towards approval of the application but not predetermined and, as such, would listen to the debate before determining his view on the item. 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.)

(The Chairman declared that they had been lobbied with respect to Agenda Item 4(1).)

1.     The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 22/00648/FULD in respect of 61 Russell Road, Newbury, RG14 5JX.

2.     Ms Cheyanne Kirby, 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 unsatisfactory in planning terms and officers recommended that the Service Director for Development and Regulation be authorised to refuse planning permission, for the reasons listed 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 noted that the parking policies were decided in 2015/16 by the Transport Policy District, and were presented to Members and approved, as well as to a Planning Inspector. Newbury was separated into three zones, Zone 1 containing the town centre, Zone 2 in suburban Newbury, and Zone 3 outside that area. This application was in Zone 2, and the proposal required 10-12 parking spaces, of which only 8 were proposed. The area was renowned for car parking congestion, and evidence suggested that the area was one of the worst for parking, with the demand for parking near the site at 105%. Therefore, Highway Officers deemed there to be demonstrable harm, and recommended refusal of planning permission on parking grounds.

4.     In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Nigel Foot, Newbury Town Council, Linda Philo, objector, Sukey Russell-Hayward, supporter, and Stuart Bartlett, applicant, addressed the Committee on this application.

Town Council Representation

5.     Mr Nigel Foot, Newbury Town Council, in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

• The Newbury Town Council Planning & Highways Committee had no objection to the application, concluding that the design was in keeping with the surrounding houses on Russell Road, but there were concerns over parking. Newbury Town Council was concerned that the report did not mention car club usage and reducing the demand for cars.

Member Questions to the Town Council

6.     Members did not have any questions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8