Agenda and draft minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 13 November 2013.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2013 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 interests in items on the agenda, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Councillors David Allen, Jeff Beck, Ieuan Tuck and Julian Swift-Hook declared an interest in all the items on the Agenda, but reported that, as their interest was personal and not prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest, they determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.

Councillor Swift-Hook requested that Agenda item 4(3) regarding 3-7 Sandleford Farm be taken first as he and the speaker, Tony Forward, were required at a Greenham Parish Council meeting. This was agreed by the Committee.

(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 David Allen declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council and the Planning and Highways Committee. He had been present when the application was discussed, but would consider the application afresh. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillors Jeff Beck and Ieuan Tuck declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that they were Members of Newbury Town Council. Councillor Tuck had not been present during discussions, however Councillor Beck had been present at the committee when the application was discussed. He would consider the application afresh. As their interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillor Swift-Hook declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that he was a member of Greenham Parish Council and Newbury Town Council who had previously considered the application, but reported that he would view the application afresh on its own merit. Councillor Swift-Hook also reported that his use of a computer during the meeting was in order to access information on the application before him. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 13/02615/COMIND in respect of section 73. Variation of Condition 3 [build in accord with approved plans] of planning permission reference 13/00252/comind at The Limes Guest House and 370a and 370b London Road, Newbury.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Phil Barnet, Parish Council representative, Mrs Angelika Rivero, objector, Mr Tom Rumble, agent and Mr Malcolm Dunne, BREEAM assessor, addressed the Committee on this application.

Michael Butler introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material considerations. He noted that due to a technicality, should the developer wish to implement both sets of amended planning applications being considered on this agenda, they would need to apply again for permission. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was for a high quality scheme and was strongly recommended by Officers.

Mr Barnet in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·                    Newbury Town Planning and Highways Committee (NTP&HC) had considered all the applications on this site and still had the same concerns:

·                    Impact on street scene

·                    Overlooking

·                    Access

·                    Smell and noise

·                    Refuse store

·                    Gracewell Care Homes was now involved and this could lead to a series of amendments to modify the building. The previous application was not thought through enough and they would like to see the proposal be resubmitted in its entirety.

The Chairman enquired if Mr Barnet preferred the previous  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.(1)

(Councillor David Allen declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council and the Planning and Highways Committee. He had been present when the application was discussed, but would consider the application afresh. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillors Jeff Beck and Ieuan Tuck declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that they were Members of Newbury Town Council. Councillor Tuck had not been present during discussions, however Councillor Beck had been present at the committee when the application was discussed. He would consider the application afresh. As their interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillor Swift-Hook declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that he was a member of Greenham Parish Council and Newbury Town Council who had previously considered the application, but reported that he would view the application afresh on its own merit. Councillor Swift-Hook also reported that his use of a computer during the meeting was in order to access information on the application before him. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(2)) concerning Planning Application 13/02622/COMIND, section 73. Variation of Condition 17 on planning permission 13/00252/comind in respect of The Limes Guest House and 370a and 370b London Road, Newbury.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Phil Barnet, Parish Council representative, Mrs Angelika Rivero, objector, and Mr Tom Rumble, agent and Mr Malcolm Dunne, BREEAM assessor, addressed the Committee on this application.

Michael Butler introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material considerations. He noted that although the BREEAM ‘excellent’ standard would not be achieved,[if the application were approved] the scheme would still be of a very high quality. The update report confirmed that a combined heat and power (CHP) unit would be installed. In conclusion the report stated that there were clear reasons for the proposal to be recommended by Officers.

Councillor Hilary Cole questioned the seriousness of explosive refrigerants in the report. Michael Butler suggested that this question be directed to one of the speakers.

Councillor Roger Hunneman expressed the view that he found it difficult to accept the expense of a roof terrace if BREEAM ‘excellent’ was the real cost. Michael Butler acknowledged that the Members would have to weigh the benefits to residents against the BREEAM standard. Councillor George Chandler asked if there were different standards for care homes. Michael Butler suggested that the Committee addressed this question to the BREEAM assessor.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.(2)

(Councillor David Allen declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council and the Planning and Highways Committee. He had been present when the application was discussed, but would consider the application afresh. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillors Jeff Beck and Ieuan Tuck declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that they were Members of Newbury Town Council. Councillor Tuck had not been present during discussions, however Councillor Beck had been present at the committee when the application was discussed. He would consider the application afresh. As their interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillor Swift-Hook declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that he was a member of Greenham Parish Council and Newbury Town Council who had previously considered the application, but reported that he would view the application afresh on its own merit. Councillor Swift-Hook also reported that his use of a computer during the meeting was in order to access information on the application before him. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(3)) concerning Planning Application 13/02408/FULD in respect of the demolition of existing buildings [Gilson Engineering] and erection of 9 dwellings, two 2 bed, four 3 bed and three 4 bed; a new access, sound barrier, parking and landscaping at 3 - 7 Sandleford Farm.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr A Forward, Parish Council representative and Mr R McLennan, agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

Michael Butler introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material considerations and drew the Committee’s attention to the contents of the Update report. He noted that the accompanying Listed Building Consent (LBC) for this site was not on the agenda as it had not been called in, however the decision made for this application would also apply to the LBC. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was an improved scheme and was firmly recommended for approval.

(Councillor Virginia von Celsing arrived at 6.40pm. Her vote was not taken into consideration on this item.)

Mr Forward in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·                    The Parish Council strongly requested that block paving be used in the scheme, but this had not been detailed in the plan.

·                    There was concern with the number of Conditions and how they were being used to rectify the scheme.

·                    There was concern regarding the lack of consultation on the sewage scheme and that no  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.(3)

(Councillor David Allen declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council and the Planning and Highways Committee. He had been present when the application was discussed, but would consider the application afresh. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillors Jeff Beck and Ieuan Tuck declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that they were Members of Newbury Town Council. Councillor Tuck had not been present during discussions, however Councillor Beck had been present at the committee when the application was discussed. He would consider the application afresh. As their interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillor Swift-Hook declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that he was a member of Greenham Parish Council and Newbury Town Council who had previously considered the application, but reported that he would view the application afresh on its own merit. Councillor Swift-Hook also reported that his use of a computer during the meeting was in order to access information on the application before him. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(4)) concerning Planning Application 13/01848/FULD in respect of a change of use and conversion of the main Grade ll Listed pub building and two outbuildings into four new residential units. Demolition of rear extension to main building, garage/store and toilet blocks, extension linking main building to function suite and boundary wall adjacent to Derby Road. Hard and soft landscaping and provision of three car park spaces at Wellington Arms, 4 Andover Road, Newbury.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr Phil Barnet, Parish Council representative, and Mr Ian Blake, applicant/agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

Councillor Adrian Edwards had mistakenly considered this site to be in his ward as it was on the border and had called in the application. The Committee agreed to allow Councillor Edwards to speak as Ward Member, as it was a material planning consideration that the vitality and viability of a community facility would affect the adjacent Ward.

Jake Brown introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material considerations. In conclusion he stated that the Officer recommendation was finely balanced.

·                    Phil Barnet in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·                    He stated that local people valued these premises and hoped that the pub could be retained as a viable business.

·                    It was hoped that the main staircase could either be kept or given to the museum.

Councillor Anthony Stansfeld queried  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.(4)

(Councillor David Allen declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Newbury Town Council and the Planning and Highways Committee. He had been present when the application was discussed, but would consider the application afresh. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillors Jeff Beck and Ieuan Tuck declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that they were Members of Newbury Town Council. Councillor Tuck had not been present during discussions, however Councillor Beck had been present at the committee when the application was discussed. He would consider the application afresh. As their interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillor Swift-Hook declared a personal interest in all the Agenda items by virtue of the fact that he was a member of Greenham Parish Council and Newbury Town Council who had previously considered the application, but reported that he would view the application afresh on its own merit. Councillor Swift-Hook also reported that his use of a computer during the meeting was in order to access information on the application before him. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(5)) concerning Planning Application 13/01849/LBC in respect of a change of use and conversion of the main Grade ll Listed pub building and two outbuildings into four new residential units. Demolition of rear extension to main building, garage/store and toilet blocks, extension linking main building to function suite and boundary wall adjacent to Derby Road. Hard and soft landscaping and provision of three car park spaces at Wellington Arms, 4 Andover Road, Newbury.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Phil Barnet, Parish Council representative, Ian Blake, applicant/agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

Jake Brown introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material considerations. In conclusion he stated that the Officer recommendation was finely balanced.

Both Mr Barnet and Mr Blake declined to address the Committee.

Councillor Ieuan Tuck proposed the application be accepted in line with Officers’ recommendation. This proposal was seconded by Councillor David Allen

RESOLVED toDELEGATE to the Head of Planning and Countryside to GRANT Planning Permission subject to the schedule of conditions (section 8.2).

CONDITIONS

Time limit

1.                  The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

Reason: To comply with the requirements of Section 18 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Approved plans

2.                  This listed building consent relates only to work described on the drawings  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.(5)

Purpose: To inform Members of the results of recent appeal decisions relating to the Western Area Planning Committee.

Members noted the outcome of appeal decisions relating to the Western Area.