Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of this Committee held on 25 November 2020 and 16 December 2020.

The Minutes of the meetings held on 25 November 2020 and 16 December 2020 were approved as true and correct records 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.

Councillors Howard Woollaston and Dennis Benneyworth declared an interest in Agenda Item 4(2), 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.

(No declarations of interest received.)

1.     The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 20/01914/FUL in respect of a two-storey front and side extension over basement to create granny annexe and carers room. Change of use of associated land to provide two additional ancillary parking spaces at Tree Tops, Hampstead Norreys.

2.     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 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 confirmed that in accordance with the Council’s parking standards, there would be a requirement for additional car parking, as the number of bedrooms had been increased from three to five. He noted there had been objections to the proposed location of the spaces due to its distance from the property, however it was as close to the property as could reasonably be achieved without the need for extensive additional track work, and this was not a reason for refusal. He confirmed that the proposed spaces would meet all standards, including provision of an electric vehicle charging point. He noted concerns about land ownership, but this was not a planning issue. He confirmed that Highways officers supported the provision of parking spaces as the area was congested, they therefore had no objections.

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.     No written submissions relating to this application were received.

Ward Member Representation

7.     Councillor Culver confirmed that she did not wish to address the Committee on this application. She noted that she had called in a previous application, which had been subsequently withdrawn, however she was waving right to speak on this application as she had not been approached in relation to this one.

Members’ Questions to Officers

8.     Councillor Howard Woollaston asked for clarification as to the location of the proposed parking spaces.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.(1)

(Councillors Howard Woollaston and Dennis Benneyworth declared that they had been lobbied on Agenda Item 4(2).)

1.     The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(2)) concerning Planning Application 20/02630/HOUSE in respect of revised proposals for a replacement entrance porch, internal alterations and extension to accommodate relocated kitchen with dining area with additional bedroom and family bathroom at Gallants View, Lower Green, Inkpen.

2.     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 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 confirmed that Highways had no objections.

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 Sam Peacock (on behalf of the residents of Hollytree Cottage), objector, and Mr Edward Bennett and Mrs Rebecca Bennett, applicants. Those able to attend the remote meeting were, Mr Peacock and Mr Bennett.

7.     Individual written submissions were published online along with the agenda http://decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=155&MId=5739&Ver=4

 Objector’s Submission

8.     The Clerk read out the representation. Mr Peacock was invited to join the meeting and Members questioned Mr Peacock as follows:

9.     Councillor Dennis Benneyworth asked for clarification in relation to paragraph 1.10 of objector’s statement about the building having already been modernised.

10.  Mr Peacock explained that the owners had knocked down an interior wall and created a new kitchen/dining area, so the interior was already quite modern. This led him to argue that there was no need for internal modernisation and he felt that it met relevant space standards. He suggested that the only modernisation required was to the exterior of the property, but he considered that the proposed external changes would have a detrimental impact on the character of the building.

11.  Councillor Adrian Abbs asked for clarification in relation to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.(2)

Purpose: To inform Members of the results of recent appeal decisions relating to the Western Area Planning Committee.

There are no appeals to be presented at this meeting.

There were no appeal decisions relating to the Western Area.