Issue - meetings

1. The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 24/00037/FULMAJ in respect of the erection of a Primary Care Centre with associated works.
2. The Planning Officer, Debra Inston, 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 the Highways Officer, Paul Goddard, if he had any observations on the application.
4. The Highways Officer highlighted that the location had both advantages and disadvantages when compared to the existing facility on St Johns Road. On traffic volume and location of the site, he indicated that there was not expected to be an overall greater volume of traffic generated by the proposed facility, as it was a replacement for the existing one. In addition, he noted that the site was more central to its catchment area and that it had good potential for sustainable travel opportunities, such as cycle routes and bus services. For these reasons, he considered the location to be acceptable.
5. For the access to the site, the Highways Officer noted that the road to the north was a private and unadopted road owned by Newbury College. Although the only initial access would come off the A339, he clarified to Members that this was temporary as a new additional access would also be delivered through the Sandleford Park West site.
6. The Highways Officer confirmed that the small access serving the staff parking area and the access serving the larger car park were a suitable distance from the accesses to the school opposite. Also, as that part of Highwood Copse Way had road markings to keep vehicles clear, he believed that visibility should be clear and therefore that the access was suitable. The sightlines were subject to amended drawings and secured by conditions.
7. On parking numbers, the Highways Officer indicated that they expected 24 staff present at a given time as well as 48 patients. As the total spaces provided was 72, this number was considered sufficient. 
8. It was agreed that further detail would be required on sight lines and that further work was needed on pedestrian routes to the site and the Highways Officer confirmed that a dropped kerb should be provided across road adjacent to the site to link the site to the existing footways on the road. These matters could be secured through conditions.
9. For the reasons presented, the Highways Officer recommended that the application be approved.
10. In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr Tom Sadler, the Agent, Dr Anne Maloney, the applicant, and Councillor David Marsh, Ward Member, addressed the Committee on this application.

Applicant/Agent Representation

11. Mr Tom Sadler and Dr Anne Maloney addressed the Committee. This representation can be viewed in the recording: Western Area Planning Committee – Wednesday 22 January 2025.

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