Issue - meetings

1.     The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 24/01755/FUL in respect of a part retrospective change of use of land to mixed ancillary residential use with agricultural use, remodelling of land levels and rebuild of stables to an agricultural store.

2.     Mr Michael Butler, Principal Planning Officer, 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 Manager be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions outlined in the main and update reports.

3.     The Chairman asked Mr Paul Goddard, Highways Development Control Team Leader if he had any observations relating to the application. Mr Goddard advised that Highways Officers had no objections to this application as the number of vehicle movements that would be generated from this application would be low as it was the expectation that the site would only be accessed by the applicant.

4.     In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Ms Julie Cooper, objector, Mr Gareth Jones, agent, and Councillor Martha Vickers, Ward Member, addressed the Committee on this application.

Objector Representation

5.     Ms Cooper addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here: Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 20th November 2024

Member Questions to the Objector

6.     Members asked questions of clarification and were given the following responses:

·         Ms Cooper confirmed that she would like screening in place between her own property (Sandymead House) and the application property.

·         A gate was in place between the properties as Ms Cooper had access rights to the neighbouring land.

·         Ms Cooper advised that she provided care for disabled people through the West Berkshire Council Shared Lives scheme. This included the provision of day care, respite and having a resident living with her on a full time basis.

Agent Representation

7.     Mr Jones addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here: Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 20th November 2024

Member Questions to the Agent

8.     Members asked questions of clarification and were given the following responses:

·         Mr Jones confirmed that the applicant was willing to put additional screening in place between Twistle Cottage and the neighbouring dwelling.

·         The ancillary area referred to was the applicant’s garden area and constituted an expansion of the curtilage.

·         The machinery to be stored would not be significant, i.e. a sit on lawnmower for when the development, if approved, had concluded.

·         Mr Jones explained that the hours of work proposed as part of the Construction Method Statement would be conditioned. This was a matter that could be debated.

·         Ground levelling/earth moving works would take place as part of the development phase.

Ward Member Representation

9.     Councillor Martha Vickers addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here: Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 20th November 2024

Member Questions to the Ward Member

10.  Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Member Questions to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3