Agenda item

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 exception to planning policies. He indicated that he was minded to support the Officer’s recommendation for refusal.

18. Councillor Tony Vickers agreed with Councillor Dick, but noted self-builds often did not have qualified architects behind them. He felt that the Committee should encourage self-builds, and self-sufficiency. He noted that the proposed site was close to the settlement boundary, and that most local residents were in favour of it. He felt that great weight should be given to these points.

19. Councillor Vickers proposed to reject Officer’s recommendation and grant planning permission subject to the conditions to be agreed by Officers, for the following reasons: the application included a range of measures designed to achieve a low carbon footprint and a highly sustainable building; the applicant had provided sufficient information for the Committee to make this judgment. This was seconded by Councillor Amirtharaj.

20. The Chairman invited Members of the Committee to vote on the proposal by Councillor Tony Vickers, seconded by Councillor Anthony Amirtharaj to grant planning permission. At the vote the motion was rejected.

21. Councillor Paul Dick proposed to accept Officer’s recommendation and refuse planning permission for the reasons listed in the main report and update report. This was seconded by Councillor Nigel Foot. At the vote the motion was carried.

RESOLVED that the Development Manager be authorised to refuse planning permission.