Agenda and draft minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 8 February 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2023 were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman, subject to the inclusion of the following amendments:

·         On page 34, point 64, it should state that the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) did not get subsequent opportunities to comment on the proposal after it was proposed to cut down the trees.

Councillors Howard Woollaston and Dennis Benneyworth abstained from voting due to their absence at the previous meeting.

Councillor Carolyne Culver noted that she was yet to see the Section 106 Agreement for Compton Institute, as mentioned on page 7 of the minutes.

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.

There were no declarations of interest received.

(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).

1.    The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 22/01901/FULMAJ in respect of Deerbourne, Inkpen, RG17 9DE.

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 Service Director of Development and Regulation be authorised to grant planning permission for the reasons listed in the main and update reports.

3.    The Chairman asked Mr Paul Goddard if he had any observations relating to the application. Mr Goddard explained that all the construction traffic would occur on a highway, which was distant from the local village. Mr Goddard expressed that concerns from residents on construction traffic were to be mitigated by the inclusion of condition three, which required traffic, where possible, to use the north entrance to the site. Mr Goddard explained that they expected around three to four ‘transit van-sized’ vehicles to the site per week, which was a reduction compared to previous site traffic. Mr Goddard added that larger vehicles might have to use the bridleway entrance to the site, however, residents had to be notified of when this would happen. After construction is completed the bridleway may still be utilised a few times a year for the delivery of gas. Mr Goddard concluded that the Highways Officers raised no objections.   

4.    In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Dr David Thomas, Parish Council Representative, Ms Patricia Poynton, objector, Mr Eashwar Krishnan, Mr Kevin Martin and Mr David Keyte, applicants/agent, Councillor James Cole, Ward Member addressed the Committee on this application.

Parish Council Representation

5.    In line with the Council's Constitution, paragraph 7.14.5, the Chairman presented to the Committee that they suspend standing orders to allow Dr Thomas to speak due to late submission.

6.    Councillor Jeff Beck proposed to suspend standing orders to allow Dr Thomas to speak. Councillor Benneyworth seconded the proposal. The proposal was put to vote and it was resolved to let Dr Thomas speak.

7.    Dr Thomas in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·         That Inkpen Parish Council object to the application.

·           The site had been a continuous source of stress and anxiety for residents.

·         That there had been a continuous disregard for the planning process with retrospective planning.

·         That there had been little work to help with the conservation of the site, which could be seen by the removal of a temporary boiler building and the retention of underground gas tanks. This ran contrary to government guidelines, as gas was not a renewable form of energy.

·         West Berkshire Council’s Local Plan stated that there shall be no adverse effect on the character of the local area.

·         The Local Plan outlined that, where possible, renewable heat sources such as ground source heat pumps should be used in preference to gas and restricts new energy infrastructure in AONBs.

·         The Local Plan expressed that any development must be necessary,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.(1)