Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of this Committee held on 16 July 2024.

The Minutes of the two meetings held on 16 July 2024 were approved as true and correct records and signed by the Chairman subject to the inclusion of the following amendment for meeting number one:

The resolution for Item (3) 24/00767/HOUSE The Old Rickyard, Inkpen, should read as follows:

RESOLVED that The Development Manager grant planning permission subject to the conditions listed in the main report and update report with an additional condition requiring the submission and approval of a scheme for all external lighting for the pool area prior to the pool being taken into use with no other external lighting to be erected except in accordance with the scheme; and subject to the outcome of discussions to secure an acceptable scheme of drainage with any necessary conditions. Or to refuse the application if a scheme of drainage had not been agreed within 3 months or such other timescale as agreed in writing by the Development Manager in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee.

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 Barnett declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council, and a Member of the Planning and Highways Committee. 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.

Councillor Foot declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council, a Member of the Highways Committee and the Ward Member. 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.

Councillor Foot declared that he had been lobbied on Agenda Item 4(1).

Councillor Abbs declared that he had been lobbied on Agenda Item 4(1) by the objector.

Councillor Vickers declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council. 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.

(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 Applications 23/02520/NONMAT and 23/02544/FUL - S73A in respect of Newspaper House, Newbury.

2.    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 Manager be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions outlined in the main and update reports

3.    Paul Goddard had no observations to make with regards to highways’ matters.

4.    In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, David Harmon, Town Council representative, Alan Pearce, objector, and Jon Dingle, agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

Parish/Town Council Representation

5.    Mr David Harmon addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here: Western Area Planning Committee 21 August 2024

Member Questions to the Parish/Town Council

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

·       The Environment Agency was a separate statutory consultee and would make its own judgements.

Objector Representation

7.    Mr Alan Pearce addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here: Western Area Planning Committee 21 August 2024

Member Questions to the Objector

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

·       No additional loading had been put on the drainage system, as it had been moved from one part of the development to another.

·       The applicant was entitled to change from grass to tarmac, and it would be unlikely for a challenge to stand up in court.

·       There was a lack of critical drainage infrastructure on London Road Industrial Estate.

·       The car park was permitted development, and there was no outstanding enforcement to be dealt with.

Supporter Representation

9.    No supporters were present.

Applicant/Agent Representation

10. Mr Jon Dingle addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here: Western Area Planning Committee 21 August 2024

Member Questions to the Applicant/Agent

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

·       The angle of the security lights pointing at the A339 carriageway would be investigated.

·       If the blue band’s location was the difference between securing approval for the permission or not, it would be a serious matter, however the applicant was inclined to agree with the Conservation Officer’s assessment that the higher blue band was not detrimental to the conservation area.

·       The signage was installed as per the approval, the blue band had been installed higher than the approved scheme by the contractor in error.

Ward Member Representation

12. No representation was made by the Ward Member.

Member Questions to Officers

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

·       The Environment Agency originally objected to the self-storage units that were in the car park, but that application was withdrawn, and a new application was submitted which the Environment Agency did not comment on or object to because they did not need to be consulted.

·       The gravel would be permeable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.(1)