Agenda and 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.

Councillor Tony Vickers declared an interest in Agenda Items 3(1), 3(2), 3(3) and 3(4) by virtue of the fact that he was a Ward Member for all of these applications. While he had not personally called all of them in, he did consider that they would merit consideration at Committee. However, he indicated that that he had an open mind on each of the applications. 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.

Councillor Vickers also declared an interest in Agenda Items 3(1), 3(3) and 3(4) by virtue of the fact that he was the Council’s representative on the North Wessex Downs Council of Partners. 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.

Councillors Phil Barnett, Tony Vickers and Howard Woollaston declared an interest in Agenda Item 3(3) by virtue of the fact that they knew former Councillor James Cole who was the applicant’s father-in-law. However, this would not affect their decision. As their interest was a personal or an other registrable interest, but not a disclosable pecuniary interest, they determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.

Councillor Nigel Foot declared an interest in Agenda Item 3(4) by virtue of the fact that he was the Council’s Heritage Champion. 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.

Councillor Howard Woollaston declared an interest in Agenda Item 3(4) by virtue of the fact that the applicants agent had undertaken some work for him around 6-7 years previously. However, he indicated that this would not affect his decision. 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).

1.    The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 3(1)) concerning Planning Application 23/01492/FUL Erection of equestrian workers dwelling; with associated parking, turning, landscaping, private amenity space and access in respect of Land approximately 400 metres west of Dark Lane and South of Denford Lane, Upper Denford

2.    Ms Isabel Oettinger (Planning Officer – Development Control) 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.    In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr Jerry Keates and Ms Stella Coulthurst, Town Council Representatives, and Mr Mark Pettitt and Mr Richard Evans, applicant/agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

Parish/Town Council Representation

4.    Mr Keates and Ms Coulthurst addressed the Committee – their representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Parish/Town Council

5.    Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Applicant/Agent Representation

6.    Mr Pettit addressed the Committee – his representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Applicant/Agent

7.    Members asked a number of questions of clarification and were given the following response:

·       This had been a separate planning application from the main house due to the growing concern and need for the extra land, to reduce journeys from the main estate. The quality of the brood mares had increased and necessitated an on-site presence

·       The safety and welfare of the horses until the completion of the house would be maintained by frequent journeys from the main estate to the horses.  

·       Security was provided through CCTV on the main estate, but an on-site presence would be more effective, as well as the completion of the North Lodge.

·       Offsite accommodation had not been considered as the accommodation needed to be within sight and sound of the brood mares, the location of the accommodation had been chosen to satisfy that criterion.

·       The accommodation would be used by an existing member of staff.

Ward Member Representations

8.    Councillors Tony Vickers addressed the Committee. His representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

9.    Councillor Dennis Benneyworth addressed the Committee. His representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Ward Members

10. Members asked a question of clarification and were given the following response:

·       CCTV was not considered to be a viable alternative to an on-site presence - an onsite presence would allow a better understanding of the horses’ welfare and security.

Member Questions to Officers

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

·       The occupancy condition would apply for the lifetime of the building and the building was tied to the equine  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(1)

1.      The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 3(2)) concerning Planning Application 22/02538/FUL in respect of the proposed new self-build, net zero carbon dwelling, improvement of 2 no. existing accesses and associated landscaping on the site of the former Cope Hall residence, Skinners Green, Enborne, Newbury.

2.      Ms 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 unsatisfactory in planning terms and Officers recommended that Development Manager be authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons listed in the main and update reports.

3.      In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr Peter Wilding, supporter, and Mr Giles Sutton, Mr Steve Woodward and Mr Richard Rowntree, applicant/agents, addressed the Committee on this application.

Supporter Representation

4.      Mr Wilding addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Supporter

5.      Members asked a question of clarification and were given the following response:

·       Mr Wilding indicated that he lived in one of a number of converted farm buildings at Skinners Green Farm. The site had been derelict, but was now a wonderful place, and the owners had invested in improving their properties, including several extensions. The former Cope Hall site was an eyesore and the current proposal was what residents wanted to see. There had been several letters of support and no objections from Skinners Green residents. He urged the Committee to go against the Officer’s recommendation and approve the application.

Applicant/Agent Representation

6.      Mr Sutton, Mr Woodward and Mr Rowntree addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Applicant/Agent

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

·       The woodland did not have priority habitat status. Officers’ comments were based on the site being shown on Natural England’s map, which was incorrect.

·       Assessment of design was inherently subjective, and decisions were often overturned at appeal. In relation to the character and appearance of the setting, the Planning Inspector who had considered the previous appeal was not a landscape specialist and had not followed the same guidance as the landscape architect for the current application. Instead, he had given his opinion on the matter. However, it was felt that he had misrepresented the topography of the site. Although the landscape architect had conceded that the site was not concealed from every angle, it was mostly disguised, with a restricted view from Skinners Green Farm. Additional planting and woodland management would provide an overall benefit.

·       The proposed surface would be completely permeable and soakaway testing had been carried out. Hardstanding was only required 5m back from the highway. Soil disturbance would be minimal with a no-dig system proposed to protect tree roots. There was also a drainage ditch on the other side of Skinners Green where the package treatment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(2)

1.    The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 3(3)) concerning Planning Application 23/02586/FUL in respect of land adjacent to 123 Strongrove Hill, Hungerford.

2.    Ms Sian Cutts (Senior Planning Officer) 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 unsatisfactory in planning terms and the Officer recommendation was for the Development Manager be authorised to refuse planning permission.

3.    In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Ms Stella Coulthurst and Mr James Cole, town council representatives, Mr Simon Smith, objector, and Mr Brian Withers, agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

4.    Due to an administrative error, Ms Kamini Conning, supporter, had not been added to the published list of speakers for this item, despite having registered to speak by the deadline. Members resolved to suspend Standing Orders to also allow Ms Conning to speak, and to resume Standing Orders after she had made her representation and answered Members’ questions.

Town Council Representation

5.    Ms Coulthurst and Mr Cole addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Parish/Town Council

6.    Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Objector Representation

7.    Mr Smith address the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Objector

8.    Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Supporter Representation

9.    Ms Conning addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Supporter

10. Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Applicant/Agent Representation

11. Mr Withers addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Applicant/Agent

12. Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Ward Member Representation

13. Councillor Tony Vickers addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Ward Member

14. Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Member Questions to Officers

15. Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Debate

16. Councillor Anthony Amirtharaj opened the debate by stating that the developments should be looked at from the West Berkshire perspective, rather than against national standards. He noted that the proposal would create a new home which was sustainable and would, as far as possible, achieve Net Zero Emissions. He felt that the Council should encourage this type of family dwellings on brownfield sites. Councillor Amirtharaj indicated that he was in favour of rejecting the Officer’s recommendation and granting consent for the planning application.

17. Councillor Paul Dick noted the sustainability aspects of the proposal, but he felt that the application had not provided sufficient evidence to show that it should be considered as an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(3)

The Chairman left the meeting. Councillor Tony Vickers proposed that Councillor Howard Woollaston be elected as Chairman for the remainder of the meeting. This was seconded by Councillor Paul Dick. At the vote, the Motion was carried.

(Councillor Howard Woollaston in the Chair.)

1.      The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 3(4)) concerning Planning Application 23/002591/HOUSE and 23/02592/LBC in respect of a two storey rear extension, new bathroom in existing roof space and replacement roof coverings at Little Hidden Farm, Wantage Road, Newtown, Hungerford.

2.      Ms Sian Cutts 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 unsatisfactory in planning terms and officers recommended that the Development Manager be authorised to refuse planning permission for the reasons listed in the main and update reports.

3.      In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr James Cole and Mr Jerry Keates, town council representatives, and Mr James Acworth and Ms Marianne Smith, applicant/agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

Town Council Representation

4.      Mr Cole and Mr Keates addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Parish/Town Council

5.      Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Applicant/Agent Representation

6.      Mr Acworth and Ms Smith addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Applicant/Agent

7.      Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Ward Member Representation

8.      Councillor Tony Vickers addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2024 (youtube.com)

Member Questions to the Ward Member

9.      Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Member Questions to Officers

10.   Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Debate

11.   Councillor Nigel Foot opened the debate. He understood why Officers had recommended refusal in order to protect the building. However, the Town Council and Ward Member representations had set out the benefits of the proposal in terms of keeping the family together and reducing social care costs, as well as the benefits for the local community. He hoped the farm could remain in the ownership of the Acland family. He noted that there had previous been some unattractive additions to the farmhouse, but the proposed development would not detract from its appearance. He proposed to reject the Officer’s recommendation and grant planning permission and listed building consent.

12.   Councillor Anthony Amirtharaj felt it would be an irony that if the Officer’s recommendation was accepted then the building may fall into disrepair and be lost. The representations had highlighted the importance of considering the needs of the owner’s family. He considered the conservation aspects to be less important. Also, he did not see that the proposal would be detrimental to the heritage asset. He seconded Councillor Foot’s proposal.

13.   Councillor Paul Dick sympathised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(4)