Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 18 January 2017.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 18 January were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman, subject to the following amendment:

Item 43, page 11, 39^th point, 3^rd line: change ‘In addition the obligations required for ecological enhancement and monitoring of the open space in perpetuity, for the newt population and the following conditions:’ to ‘In addition the obligations required for ecological enhancement for the newt population and monitoring of the open space in perpetuity and the following conditions:’

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.

Councillors Jeff Beck, Adrian Edwards and Anthony Pick declared an interest in Agenda Item 4(1) but reported that as their interest was personal and not an other registrable or a disclosable pecuniary interest, they determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.

Councillor Pick declared that he had been lobbied with regard to Agenda Item 4(2).

(Councillors Jeff Beck, Adrian Edwards and Anthony Pick declared an interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that they were Members of Newbury Town Council (NTC), but would consider the application afresh.  As their interest was a personal and not an other registrable interest or disclosable pecuniary interest, they 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 16/03469/FULD in respect of the erection of a third floor at 3-5 Porchester Road, Newbury to provide four 1 bed flats with associated parking and amenity space.

2.       In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Ms Sonya Green, objector, Mr Nick Cobbold, agent and Councillor Anthony Pick, Ward Member, addressed the Committee on this application.

3.       Michael Butler introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy and other material considerations.  It had been brought to Committee as more than 10 objections had been received and officers were recommending approval.  Mr Butler noted that the building was not listed and the area was outside the local conservation area.  However the Conservation Officer had commented that he preferred the original symmetry of the first scheme, although the current scheme still remained acceptable in overall design terms. Michael Butler also drew the Committee’s attention to point 5.3 of the report, which referred to the inclusion of a pair of Juliette balconies.  The plans were not completely clear and the agent had since confirmed that there would be no Juliette balconies on the southern elevation; however the rear fire escapes would remain. 

4.       The Update Report recommended the inclusion of an additional condition for the inclusion of a sprinkler system on the top floor to control/prevent fire.  This would negate the need for the additional external fire escape to the top floor and so prevent overlooking.

5.       In conclusion, the report stated that the proposal was acceptable and conditional approval was justifiable.  Therefore, officers recommended the Committee grant planning permission subject to the additional conditions.

6.       Councillor Paul Bryant noted that Michael Butler had referred to the shadowing being as a result of the solstice, whereas it was in fact the winter equinox.  He went on to query whether the sprinkler system would apply to all three floors.  Michael Butler responded that it would only be the top floor, although Members could ask the applicant’s agent to include a sprinkler system on the other floors. Councillor Bryant further asked for confirmation that the fire escapes would be retained on the first and second floors, which Michael Butler affirmed.

7.       Councillor Adrian Edwards enquired where the large water tank for the sprinkler system would be located.  Michael Butler replied that this was a building regulation matter and if an external water tank was required, it would be included as a non-material amendment, negating the need for a new planning application.

8.       Councillor Anthony Pick asked if consideration had been given to the overlooking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

(Councillor Pick declared that he had been lobbied on Agenda Item 4(2).)

1.       The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(2)) concerning Planning Application 15/03196/COMIND in respect of a flood alleviation scheme at land off Tull Way, Thatcham.

2.       In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Councillor Richard Crumly, adjoining Parish Council representative, and Councillor Garth Simpson, Ward Member, addressed the Committee on this application.

3.       Derek Carnegie introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy and other material considerations.  It had been brought to Committee as it was a major application that had been submitted by West Berkshire Council.  The area had been flooded in 2007 and the application was a resubmission of a previous permission with some amendments.  These related to a proposed access via a field to the north, parking for inspection vehicles after construction and a change to the materials for the headwall and wingwall within the bund.  

4.       The Update Report referred to the fact that the appellant wished to provide sheep netting and had therefore provided amended plans on the location and type of badger gate.

5.       In conclusion, the report stated that the proposal was acceptable and conditional approval was justifiable.  Therefore, officers recommended that the Committee grant planning permission subject to the inclusion of the additional conditions.

6.       Councillor Howard Bairstow asked if sheep would be able to climb up the slope to which Derek Carnegie responded that he was unable to provide a clear answer and would refer this to the appropriate officer.

7.       Councillor Garth Simpson referred to a condition relating to a requirement for wildflower grass planting and he questioned why this was required.  Derek Carnegie advised that he would clarify this with the case officer.

8.       Councillor Richard Crumly in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·     Thatcham Town Council would benefit from the bund and gave its support to this application and the original one.

·     Florence Gardens had been flooded in 2007 and again in 2008.

9.       Councillor Garth Simpson in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·     The amendment to the original allocation would provide improved access.

·     The public benefit was clear and most welcome.

·     The bund would be a large structure and visible to car users and some residents.

·     The landscaping would do much to soften the impact of the structure and he had no hesitation in recommending approval of the planning application.

10.   After considering the above application Councillor Anthony Pick proposed acceptance of the proposal which was seconded by Councillor Jeff Beck.

11.   Councillor Hooker invited the Committee to vote on the proposal of Councillor Pick, as seconded by Councillor Beck to accept Officers’ recommendation.  At the vote this was carried.

12.   RESOLVED that the Head of Planning and Countryside be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the following conditions:

13.   Conditions:

Time Limit

1.    The development shall be started within three years from the date of this permission and implemented strictly in accordance with the approved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.