Issue - meetings

(Item starts at 8 minutes and 50 seconds into the recording)

1.       The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(2)) concerning planning application 23/01650/FUL in respect of the change of use of office building (Class E) to education use (Class F1(a)), minor external alterations and associated works to curtilage, including provision of outdoor amenity space and erection of fencing.

2.       Ms Cheyanne Kirby 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  Development Control Manager be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions outlined in the main and update reports.

3.       In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr James Cole, Town Council representative (Hungerford), Mr James Iles, Agent, and Councillor Tony Vickers, Ward Member addressed the Committee on this application.

Town Council Representation

4.       Mr Cole in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·       The Town Council had no warning about the application and the fast-tracking of the application raised policy issues.

·       Members of the Town Council had met with the promoters of the application and were happy with what they heard.

·       This would not be a standard school and pupils would mostly arrive by minibus or car. However, roads were capable of handling the additional traffic. A swept path analysis had been completed and it was understood that start and finish times would be staggered.

·       The proposed fencing was considered acceptable.

·       Some planting was proposed, which would improve the appearance of the site.

·       Even if this turned out to be a short-term solution, it was considered to be a good use of an empty building and it would be good to have such a school in Hungerford.

·       The Town Council would be happy for the Committee to approve the application.

Member Questions to the Parish/Town Council

5.       Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Agent Representation

6.       Mr Iles in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·       Mr Iles had been pleased to work closely with Planning Officers and he was grateful for their assistance in bringing the application to Committee in such a timely manner.

·       The proposal was for a much-needed special needs school, located in a fully-refurbished office block.

·       There was an acute need for a special needs school in the district and the proposal would provide 30 places serving a catchment of around 30 minutes travel time, meeting the demands of West Berkshire and the immediate neighbouring area.

·       Teaching would be on a one-to-one basis in small groups.

·       The applicant had worked hard to find a suitable location and the aim was to open the school in September to meet demand and support local authority placements as soon as possible.

·       Various modest modifications were proposed, including a new security fence, provision of outdoor play areas, a new doorway to access the play space, roof lights, and new native hedge planting.

·       There would be space within  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3