Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 16^th November 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th November 2022 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 Alan Macro declared an interest in Agenda Item 4(1), but reported that, as his interest was a personal or an other registrable interest, but not a disclosable pecuniary interest, he determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.

(Note: The Chairman, with the consent of the Committee, reserves the right to alter the order of business on this agenda based on public interest and participation in individual applications).

(Councillor Alan Macro declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he lived fairly near to the site being discussed. As his interest was personal and not prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest, he determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.)

1.     The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 21/03256/RESMAJ in respect of an application for approval of reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) following outline planning permission 15/02842/OUTMAJ (allowed on appeal) - Outline application for residential development of up to 325 houses and apartments (including 70 extra-care units) with associated access, parking, amenity space and landscaping.  All matters reserved.

2.     Ms Emma Nutchey 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 Service Director - Development and Regulation be authorised to grant approval of reserved matters subject to the conditions listed in the main report and update reports.

3.     In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Ms Zoe Fenwick and Mr Gary Miles (Theale) Parish Council representatives, Ms Emma Runesson and Mr Jon Regent (Ridgepoint Homes), applicant, and Councillor Alan Macro, Ward Member, addressed the Committee on this application.

Parish/Town Council Representation

4.     Ms Fenwick in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·         Theale Parish Council had a lot of concerns regarding the development. It was appreciated that the number of dwellings proposed for the site had been reduced. There would still however be at least a 20 percent increase in the residential population of Theale if the proposal was approved.

·         It was asked what measures the Local Authority would put in place to make the development acceptable in planning terms in relation to the highways infrastructure. The road that traffic would join when exiting the site was already very busy particularly the roundabout. The proposal could generate an extra 600 vehicles movements on the road during peak times.

·         It was queried how the education needs of new residents would be catered for. Both schools in the area were already very well subscribed.

·         The sewage network was already at capacity. A further 300 homes would place increased pressure on to the network.

·         It was queried what community space was being incorporated into the development to help new residents become part of the wider Theale community. This also included green space and supporting the biodiversity as there were populations of nightingales and water voles that were particularly endangered. It was queried how the site would be brought in line with the Local Authority’s own Environmental Strategy.

·         Ms Fenwick on behalf of Theale Parish Council requested that if the proposal was approved then the Local Authority consider removing PD rights to the properties so that attic, loft spaces and garages could not be converted as this would increase on street parking and also make access for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.(1)