Agenda and draft minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 20 May 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2026 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.

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).

26/00555/REG3 Former Old Peoples Home, Chestnut Walk, Hungerford was deferred to a future meeting of the Western Area Planning Committee.

1.    The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(2)) concerning Planning Application 25/02804/FUL in respect of the erection of a residential development comprising 6 semi-detached houses, 1 detached house, with associated access road, parking and landscaping. Land South of Kennet and Avon Canal and North of Tesco Everland Road Hungerford. 

2.    Mr Bob Dray (Interim Service Lead – Planning) 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.    The Chairman asked Mr Paul Goddard if he had any observations relating to the application. Mr Goddard highlighted the following:

·       Whilst the application had presented some unusual circumstances, the Local Highway Authority had assessed the proposal against relevant highway standards and had raised no objection.

·       The development was expected to generate approximately 42 vehicle movements per day and the impact on the surrounding highway network would be minimal.

·       Mr Goddard acknowledged concerns regarding the private status of Everland Road but advised that the access arrangements were considered safe and suitable. He further explained that refuse vehicles would not access the site due to restrictions within the Council's waste collection contract, however suitable alternative arrangements were proposed through a private management company and Section 106 Agreement.

4.    In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr James Cole, and Ms Sue Terry, Town Council representatives, Mr Les Durrant, agent, and Councillor Dennis Benneyworth, Ward Member, addressed the Committee on this application.

Town Council Representation

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

Western Area Planning Committee - Recording

Member Questions to the Town Council

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

·       The Town Council’s original objection had been based on the understanding that the houses would be four-bedroom properties.

·       At a meeting on 13 July 2026, the Town Council had been informed that the development would comprise of one two-bedroom house and five five-bedroom houses.

·       The Town Council wished to see clarification of the actual bedroom numbers, particularly because of the housing mix requirements within the Hungerford Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Officers confirmed that the submitted plans showed: One two-bedroom dwelling and six four-bedroom dwellings.

Agent Representation

7.    Mr Durrant addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Recording

Member Questions to the Agent

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

·       The Category A tree identified by officers would require removal in order to facilitate the construction of an adoptable-standard road within the site. 

·       The ownership of Evelyn Road could not be established despite investigations and the existence of legal rights of access. The applicant nevertheless intended to undertake improvements to the road surface as a goodwill gesture. 

·       Infiltration testing had been undertaken  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.(2)