Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 8 July 2020.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 July 2020 were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman, subject to the following amendments:

Item 1, page 15, paragraph four: The Chairman noted that, “…nine voting in favour of the Officer recommendation for refusal and three voting against.” should read, “…nine voting in favour of the Officer recommendation for refusal and two voting against.”

To remind Members of the need to record the existence and nature of any personal, disclosable pecuniary or other registrable interests in items on the agenda, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest received.

(Note: The Chairman, with the consent of the Committee, reserves the right to alter the order of business on this agenda based on public interest and participation in individual applications).

(No declarations were received.)

1.     The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 20/01083/FUL in respect of a replacement dwelling at Quill Cottage, Craven Road, Inkpen.

2.     The Chairman noted that there had been considerable debate about size increase and measurements at previous meetings of the Western Area Planning Committee. He stated that a new officer had looked at the drawings and had presented a fresh set of measurements, which had not been challenged by the applicant or their agent, so Members were directed to take these to be definitive.

3.     Mr Simon Till, Team Leader – Western Area Planning, 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 Head of Development and Planning be authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons listed in the main and update reports.

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 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.

5.     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.

6.     In accordance with the Extraordinary Council resolution, written submissions relating to this application were received from, Mr James Puxley, objector, Mr Roger Hunt and Mrs Claire Jones, supporters, and Mr Ashley Jones, applicant. Those able to attend the remote meeting were, Mr Hunt, Mrs Jones and Mr Jones.

7.     Individual written submissions were published online along with the agenda http://decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=153&MId=5677&Ver=4

Objector’s Submission

8.     The Clerk read out the representation. Mr Puxley was not available to be questioned at the meeting.

Supporters’ Submission – summarised

9.     The Clerk read out  a summary of the representations as follows:

The houses on Craven Road are a mix of styles and designs. The proposed new house will have a beneficial impact on the setting, character and appearance of the site. The proposed replacement building would significantly enhance the street scene when compared to the existing building.

The proposed brick and flint construction has been used elsewhere in the village (most recently Lower Inkpen House which mirrors the older cottages next door). It is a style common throughout the region. It will give a feel in keeping with the ANOB and will improve the look of the area when compared with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.(1)