Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 12 December 2018.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2018 were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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.

Councillor Billy Drummond declared an interest in Agenda Item 4(1), and reported that, as his interest was an disclosable pecuniary interest or a other registrable interest, he would be leaving the meeting during the course of consideration of the matter.

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

(Councillor Billy Drummond declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was a Trustee of the St Bartholomew’s Charitable Foundation. As his interest was a other registrable interest, he would be leaving the meeting during the course of consideration of the matter and would take no part in the debate or voting on the matter.)

(Councillors Jeff Beck and Anthony Pick declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that they were Members of Newbury Town Council’s and the Planning and Highways Committee. They had been present when the application was discussed, but would consider the application afresh. As their interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest they determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillor Adrian Edwards declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council and the Planning and Highways Committee but had not participated in the discussion of the application. He was also a resident of Fifth Road and formerly a Trustee of the St Bartholomew’s Charitable Foundation but had resigned. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 18/03144/FUL in respect of the proposed demolition of the sports pavilion and erection of a single storey replacement pavilion and new parking area.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr Alan Bradshaw, Mr Steve Sanders and Mr Chris Jones, objectors, Mr Bob Broadbridge, supporter,  and Mrs Julia Mortimore and Mr Jonathan Gratton, applicant/agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

Matthew Shepherd introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material considerations. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable and a conditional approval was justifiable. Officers recommended the Committee grant planning permission.

Mr Sanders, Jones and Bradshaw in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·         Residents had been told repeatedly that there would be no change to the use of the site but the proposed conditions for hours of use suggested that the pavilion could be used on Saturday evenings by unknown groups.

·         The proposed design did not constitute a like for like replacement of the pavilion.

·         The school’s traffic policy was unenforceable. The road became gridlocked by coaches on match days.

·         Hours of use should be limited. Newbury Athletic Club only used the site on Thursday evenings. It did not make sense for use of the site to be permitted until 10pm 6 days per week.

·         Visitors to the site parked irresponsibly in the area which posed a health and safety risk. The proposal would be more appealing and attract more visitors.

Councillor Paul Bryant enquired what hours of use the objectors would like to see imposed on the site.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.(1)

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(2)) concerning Planning Application 18/02799/HOUSE in respect of a proposed single storey side extension to create enlarged kitchen, dining, utility area with internal alterations. The application was brought to the Committee because the applicant was a member of staff.

Gemma Kirk introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material considerations. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable and a conditional approval was justifiable. Officers recommended the Committee grant planning permission.

Councillor Paul Bryant in addressing the Committee as Ward Member raised the following points:

·                     Had the site not been in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the application would be considered permitted development and he urged the Committee to vote in favour of the application.

Councillor Hilary Cole sought confirmation that had the applicant not been an employee, the application would have been determined under officers’ delegated powers. Officers confirmed this was correct.

Councillor Adrian Edwards enquired about the proposed materials to be used. Gemma Kirk confirmed that they would match the existing house.

Councillor Beck proposed that the Committee approve planning permission; this was seconded by Councillor Hilary Cole. The Chairman invited the Committee to vote and the motion was carried unanimously.

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

Conditions

1.    The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason:   To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004).

2.    The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the approved drawing number 1217- EX 01 (Existing Plans and Elevations) and 1217- PL 01 (Proposed Plans and Elevations) received on 22.10.2018.

Reason:  For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of proper planning.

3.    The materials to be used in the development hereby permitted shall be as specified on the application form.

Reason:   To ensure that the external materials are visually attractive and respond to local character.  This condition is imposed in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (July 2018), Policies CS14 and CS19 of the West Berkshire Core Strategy (2006-2026), Supplementary Planning Document Quality Design (June 2006) and Supplementary Planning Guidance 04/2 House Extensions (July 2004).

4.    No demolition or construction works shall take place outside the following hours:

7:30am to 6:00pm Mondays to Fridays;

8:30am to 1:00pm Saturdays;

nor at any time on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Reason:   To safeguard the amenities of adjoining land uses and occupiers.  This condition is imposed in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (July 2018), Policy CS14 of the West Berkshire Core Strategy (2006-2026).

Informatives: DEC1 (Approval- no objection and no revision), HI3 (Damage to footways, cycleways and verges) and HI4 (Damage to carriageway).

DC