PLANNING COMMITTEE

Minutes of a meeting of the Planning Committee held in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices, Radstock Lane, Earley, Berkshire on Tuesday 15th January 2008 which commenced at 7.40pm.

Present

Chairman – Councillor Mrs P Jorgensen

Councillors J Armstrong, T Chambers, N Jorgensen (until 9.45pm), Mrs J A Lissaman, Ms C M Mitchell, N J Preston (until 10.10pm), P L Willis and G B Woods.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor A Bradley (WBC meeting).

115. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 11th December 2007 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

116. PUBLIC TRANSPORT

116.1 Representative From Reading Buses

The Committee was reminded of the discussions recorded at Minute 62.1 of the meeting held on 11th September 2007, when Councillors had agreed a recommendation of the Plans Working Party that a representative from Reading Buses should be invited to attend a meeting of the Committee to answer the various questions which resulted from the consultation which had taken place on Public Transport in the Town.

The Chairman welcomed Mr James Freeman, the Chief Executive Officer of Reading Buses Limited. Mr Freeman gave a short introductory presentation to the meeting, during which he explained how Reading Buses Ltd was constituted and its relationship to Reading Borough Council. Mr Freeman then highlighted the proposed changes to a number of routes in Earley and Woodley, and agreed to supply information on the changes for distribution from the Help Shop.

A list of the questions resulting from the meeting of the Plans Working Party, previously mentioned, had been sent to Mr Freeman prior to the meeting. Mr Freeman was also asked to comment on correspondence received from the Borough Council in respect of proposed changes to the route taken by buses currently using the dual carriageway section of the A4 between Shepherds Hill and Sutton Seeds roundabout.

Mr Freeman was thanked for attending the meeting.

Proposed Route Changes – A4

Councillors were reminded of the correspondence submitted to the meeting of this Committee on the 11th December, which had been received from Wokingham Borough Council seeking the Town Council’s view on proposals to change the route taken by buses currently using the dual carriageway section of the A4 between Shepherds Hill and Sutton Seeds roundabout.

The correspondence continued by advising that the idea behind this proposed change was to improve the speed and reliability of the 65/63 and 126-129 services.

Considerable concern was expressed about these proposals, not least of which was whether Wokingham Borough Council or Reading Transport would be responsible for making the final decision on whether the proposed changes would be implemented.

Councillors were advised that a number of residents had already written to the Borough Council expressing concerns about the proposals.

In considering the proposals, Councillors considered that the service road was too narrow to accommodate buses on a regular basis, and the number of parked cars in the road would also impede their smooth progress. It was also felt that the proposal was unneighbourly, and would cause considerable inconvenience to residents on the north side of London Road, who would have to cross the dual carriageway to gain access to the bus services. The view was expressed that it was felt that this proposal would make little or no difference to improving the timings of the bus services, since, even if the buses were to achieve a relatively clear passage down the service road, they would still have to negotiate the considerable congestion within Reading Centre. Members of the Committee were reminded that the Town Council had sponsored the installation of barriers and planting along the grass verge between the A4 and the London Road service road to prevent cars rat running across the verge. It was considered that some drivers may, on seeing buses using the service road, also try to achieve a reduction in their journey time by using the service road and thus further increasing the traffic and corresponding detrimental impact on nearby residents.

After further discussion it was

RESOLVED that

1. the Deputy Town Clerk be requested to ascertain who will make the final decision on the proposals

2. the Town Council’s formal objections to the proposals, for the reasons detailed in the preamble to this resolution, be communicated to the Borough Council.

117. APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION

117.1 Decision Notices

RESOLVED that the Decision Notices as reported to the meeting be noted.

Affected Neighbour Notifications

RESOLVED that the Town Council’s Affected Neighbour Notifications be sent as appropriate.

“No Objection” Recommendations

RESOLVED that no objections be made to the Local Planning Authority in respect of the following applications:

F/2007/2923 Single storey side lean-to extension. Demolition of existing side extension at 36 Hilltop Road

F/2007/2928 Erection of two gates along front boundary. Retrospective at 4 Beech Lane

F/2007/2938 Part two storey and part first floor side extension and single storey rear extension to dwelling at 1 Rosedale Crescent

F/2007/2951 Single storey rear extension and first floor side and rear extension to dwelling, conversion of garage to living accommodation plus drive extension at 5 Fringford Close

F/2007/2960 Conversion of garage to habitable room at 5 Chippenham Close

F/2007/2975 Change of use from (A1) to Sui Generis use (Tanning Salon and Nail Bar) at 29 Maiden Lane Centre

F/2007/2995 Single storey rear extension to provide conservatory (retrospective) at Welbeck, Oakside Way, Shinfield

CLE/2007/3025 Certificate of lawful existing use for dwelling house to be used independently at 238 London Road

F/2007/3034 Single storey rear extension to dwelling to form conservatory at 12 Hollym Close

F/2007/3072 Alterations to front entrance door and window at 15 Saleby Close

F/2007/3074 Detached rear conservatory and demolition of existing garage at 28 Shepherds House Lane

F/2007/3118 Erection of 2 internally illuminated single sided, free standing display units and removal of existing display units at 658-660 Wokingham Road

F/2008/0009 Two storey side extension to dwelling at 109 Redhatch Drive

F/2008/0020 Two storey side and rear extension and single storey rear and front extension to dwelling at 37 Aldbourne Ave

Applications Requiring a Committee Decision

RESOLVED that the observations and comments as listed below be sent to the Local Planning Authority in respect of the following applications:

A/2007/2978 Application for advertisement consent for the proposed erection of freestanding poster billboard signage on Island Site Land at Junction of London Road and Delamere Road

Councillors objected most strongly to this proposal. It was felt that the proposed signage was out of keeping, was unneighbourly, and would cause a severe distraction to drivers on the A4, and particularly because of its close proximity to the pedestrian crossing.

Furthermore, this area provided an oasis for wildlife, and it was considered that to allow any encroachment into it such as was proposed, would be unsightly, and detrimental to the visual amenity of the area. In addition, because the sign board was illuminated, it was considered that it was also unneighbourly and intrusive.

A/2007/2981 Application for advertisement consent for the proposed erection of freestanding V-shaped billboard on Island Site Land at Junction of London Road and Delamere Road

Councillors considered that this proposal, if allowed, would be unneighbourly, unsightly, and of detriment to the street scene. Furthermore, it was considered that it would pose a considerable distraction to drivers on the very busy A4, and may increase the number of accidents on this road.

This area provided a valuable wildlife habitat, and it was considered that to encroach on it in any way would be unacceptable.

For these reasons it was requested that the application be refused.

VAR/2007/2988 Application for Variation to condition 17 of consent F/2004/2843 relating to highways requirement for street lighting at 18 Palmerstone Road

Members of the Town Council’s Planning Committee had no opinion on this application.

Councillor Mrs J Lissaman declared a personal interest in this application and took no part in the discussions thereof or the decision thereon.

F/2007/2930 New dropped kerb to allow vehicle access to front of dwelling at 13 Betchworth Avenue

The Planning Committee had no objection to this proposal provided that the Planning Officer was happy that there was sufficient distance from the proposed dropped kerb to the corner with Buckhurst Way.

F/2007/2992 Raising of roof to create a first floor with side dormer window extensions at 197 Beech Lane

Members of the Planning Committee had no objection to this application but did request that the proposed dormer windows were obscured glazed to maintain the privacy of neighbours.

Councillor Ms C Mitchell declared a personal interest in this application and took no part in the discussions thereof or the decision thereon.

F/2007/2007/3039 Change of use from A1 shop to A5 Use – Sale of hot and cold food at 17 The Parade, Silverdale Road

Councillors considered that with there being already three restaurant/takeaway facilities at the Parade, the loss of a retail unit for a further restaurant/takeaway was inappropriate.

To maintain the viability of the shops in The Parade, it was felt that a variety of retail shops should operate from there and that the area did no require another restaurant/take away.

For these reasons it was requested that the application should be refused.

F/2007/3079 Two storey side extension to dwelling, part single storey, part first floor rear extension, front and rear dormer extensions plus garage extension at basement level with utility room at 6 Goldthorpe Gardens

Councillors considered that this proposal was overbearing, and would be extremely dominant on the street scene and out of character with other properties in the road. Furthermore, it was considered that there was a possibility it would create a terracing effect which, it was felt, would also be of detriment to the street scene.

Concern was expressed at the design of the dormer windows on the rear elevation which it was considered were unsightly.

For these reasons it was requested that the application should be refused, and since it was considered that the proposals were contrary to Policy WOS 3 of the Wokingham Plan.

F/2007/3089 Single storey side extension providing link from garage to house and replacement car port canopy at 3 Kingsdown Close

Councillors considered that this development was unsightly, and would represent an overdevelopment. Furthermore, it was considered that it would be unneighbourly.

For these reasons it was requested that the application be refused.

If the Planning Officer was mindful to approve this proposal, it was requested that a condition was imposed preventing the use of the store area from being used for commercial purposes.

F/2007/3093 Single storey side extension at 18 Lind Close

Councillors considered that this application should be refused, since the proposed two storey side extension would be less than 1 metre from the boundary, and because insufficient on site parking would remain on the site

Planning Application No. F/2007/2792 – 7 Maiden Lane Centre

Councillors were reminded that this application, which was in respect of the creation of a restaurant and takeaway facility at No. 7 Maiden Lane Centre, was considered at the last meeting of this Committee. Councillors were further advised that, at that time, the Committee requested that the application should be refused, since it was felt that there was a sufficient number of restaurant and takeaway facilities at the Maiden Lane Centre, and that to create a further facility of this type would undermine the retail nature of the Centre.

Councillors noted that subsequent to the Planning Committee Meeting, a communication was received from the applicant advising that it was his intention, should planning permission be granted, to move the current takeaway and restaurant facility from No. 4 Maiden Lane to No. 7. A communication was, therefore, sent to the planning authority advising that, in view of the additional information now received, the Town Council would have no objection to the change of use of No. 7, provided that a condition was imposed that No. 4 Maiden Lane should revert to A1 Retail Use.

Planning Application No. F/2007/2293 – Chatteris Way

Councillors were reminded of the discussions recorded at Minute 90.1 of the meeting of this Committee of 13th November, when it was requested that a letter be sent to the Borough Council expressing concern that evidence would suggest that a new entrance had been made from the property onto Chatteris Way.

Councillors noted the response received from the Borough Council indicating that it could not take any action on these concerns unless there was evidence that vehicles were accessing the property at this point.

117.7 Appeals

117.7.1 Appeal Decision – F/2007/1120 – 14 Thistleton Way

Councillors noted that the above Appeal, which was in respect of the Borough Council's refusal to allow planning permission for the formation of two dormers to provide a bedroom in the roof space above the garage, had been dismissed.

New Appeal – F/2007/2045 – 466 Wokingham Road

It was noted that an Appeal had been lodged against the Borough Council's refusal to allow planning permission for the erection of four flats with amenity and parking and the demolition of the existing dwelling. It was further noted that the Appeal would be heard by means of an exchange of written statements.

118. UPGRADING OF STREET LIGHTING IN INSTOW ROAD

Councillors were reminded of the discussions recorded at Minute 95 of the meeting of this Committee concerning a request received from a local resident that consideration should be given to upgrading the street lighting in Instow Road, following a recent spate of vandalism.

Councillors were asked to consider a quotation to remove and dispose of the three existing street lighting columns, and to install seven new, 5-metre galvanised columns with 50 watt lanterns and swan-necked brackets for a total cost of £12,925.28 (excluding VAT).

Councillors were reminded of the consultation which had taken place with residents of Instow Road some 18 months prior to this latest request being received and, on that occasion, a majority of residents had expressed the view that they would not be in favour of an upgrade of the street lighting.

It was

RESOLVED that

1. a suitable sum be incorporated in the Planning Committee’s 2008/09 budget for the upgrade of street lighting in Instow Road.

2. the residents of Instow Road affected by the upgrade be consulted on the proposals, but the letter to highlight the fact any upgrade would be subject to budget approval.

119. ESTIMATES

Draft Estimates of Income & Expenditure for 2008/09 and the Revised Estimates for 2007/08, had been circulated with the Agenda for Councillors’ consideration.

It was

RESOLVED that

1. in view of the fact that consideration of the draft estimates for 2008/09 would include discussions on the personal circumstances of a member of staff, the press and public be excluded from that section of the discussions.

the draft revised estimates for 2007/08 be approved.

the draft estimates for 2008/09 be approved.

the Policy & Resources Committee be recommended to approve the revised estimates for 2007/08 and the draft estimates for 2008/09 as appended hereto.

the transactions for the period to 30th November be noted.

120. CONSULTATION ON DRAFT METHODOLOGY FOR THE STRATEGIC HOUSING LAND AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT (SHLAA) FOR WOKINGHAM BOROUGH

Councillors were asked to consider the content of the letter and accompanying report, from the Borough Council's Senior Planning Officer which had been circulated with the agenda for their attention.
It was

RESOLVED that the letter and report be considered by a meeting of the Plans Working Party, and the Working Party be requested to forward comments on behalf of the Town Council by the deadline of 31st January.

121. POST OFFICE CLOSURE PROGRAMME – WEST BERKSHIRE & WILTSHIRE

Councillors were asked to consider the content of the letter received from Postwatch, which had been circulated with the agenda for their consideration.

It was

RESOLVED that a letter be sent to Postwatch asking for confirmation of how the proposed Post Office closures would affect Earley.

122. HIGHWAY MATTERS

122.1 Rephasing of Lights at the Three Tuns Junction

Councillors were advised that over the Christmas period a communication was received from the Borough Council concerning a proposal to alter the phasing of the traffic lights at the Three Tuns junction, to try to lessen the number of shunt accidents which occurred, particularly to traffic queuing to turn right onto the A329 Wokingham bound.

In view of the fact that comments were required by 4th January, the Planning Committee Chairman was consulted on the proposals, and the Borough Council was advised that the Town Council would have no objection to the two main recommendations in the report. These were an initial short term solution to be implemented to amend the timings of the traffic lights and a medium term option which would involve revisions to the signals equipment and new timings to improve the safety at the junction. Councillors were further advised that the second option was agreed with the proviso that it should be subject to a six month trial period, to ensure that the changes to the signalling did not unduly increase the hold ups to traffic negotiating the junction, and particularly in Church Road.

It was

RESOLVED that the actions of the Planning Committee Chairman be endorsed.

122.2 Results of Recent Speed Indication Device Survey

Councillors were reminded of the discussions recorded at Minute 91.2 of the meeting of this Committee held on 13th November 2007, when, as a result of the Speed Indication Device Survey which had been carried out in Redhatch Drive, at the request of the Neighbourhood Action Group, a letter had been sent to the Borough Council asking what measures could be taken to reduce the speed of traffic in that road.

Councillors noted the response received from the Borough Council which indicated that, in view of the fact that no injury accidents had been recorded in the road over the last 5 year period, and the design and length of the road would make any appropriate traffic calming measures cost prohibitive, the Borough Council was not proposing to take any action at the current time.

It was

RESOLVED that a copy of the letter be forwarded to PC Stewart Loudwell.

123. BUS SHELTER – CHURCH ROAD

Councillors were reminded of the discussions which had taken place previously at meetings of the Committee concerning the installation, by the Borough Council, of a bus shelter in Church Road, and the consideration of whether the Town Council should undertake the ongoing maintenance and insurance of this shelter, as it was not to the design which the Town Council would normally install.

Following a question from a Member, it was confirmed that the shelter installed by the Borough Council had replaced a Town Council owned shelter, which, whilst not the most modern, was considered to be in a serviceable condition.

Councillors’ attention was drawn to a communication received from the Borough Council advising that it intended to install seats into the new shelter, but did not intend to carry out any further works to it, and Councillors were asked to confirm whether or not the Town Council would undertake the ongoing maintenance.

It was

RESOLVED that the Deputy Town Clerk be requested to seek further advice on the Borough Council’s actions in removing the Town Council’s shelter without permission.

124. LITTER PICK

It was noted that the Earley Environmental Group would be holding an Annual Litter Pick on Sunday, 16th March 2008 from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm. It was further noted that if there was sufficient interest there would be an additional day on Saturday, 15th March, and Members of the Town Council would be welcome to participate in either day.

125. TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS

125.1 TPO 1218/2007 – Woodmere Close/21 Radstock Lane

It was noted that an Order had been made to protect a significant mature Oak tree adjacent to 1 Woodmere Close and 21 Radstock Lane.

125.2 TPO 1217/2007 – 2 Ramsbury Drive

It was noted that an Order had been made in respect of a significant tree in the rear garden of 2 Ramsbury Drive.

125.3 TPO 862/1997 – 108 Silverdale Road.

It was noted that permission had been given for works to be carried out to trees covered by this Order.

125.4 TPO 777/1996 – Land to the Rear of 1 Shepherds Hill, Scotchmans Knob, Earley

It was noted that consent had been given for the dead Oak tree covered by this Order to be felled, and for the removal of dead wood from other trees as required.

126. CLEAN NEIGHBOURHOODS & ENVIRONMENT ACT

Councillors’ attention had been drawn to the item on the Ongoing Matters list, and were advised that Town Council Officers had now assessed the Guidance Notes issued by DEFRA, and a précis of the powers afforded to Parish and Town Councils had been circulated with the agenda for their consideration.

It was

RESOLVED that this item be placed on the agenda for discussion at a future meeting of the Committee.

127. PUBLICATIONS

It was noted that the following publications had been received and were held in the Council Offices:

Wokingham Borough Council:
Agenda for meeting of the Planning Committee held on 19th December 2007.
Environmental e-mail Bulletin No. 30 – January 2008.

128. ONGOING MATTERS

08/12/04 (103.1)
Third Thames Crossing Group
Report given at Council Meeting – 28th November.

16/03/05 (149)
Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act
To be considered at a future meeting of the Committee.
18/07/06 (36.4)
Parking – Earley St Peter's School
No further reports received.

17/04/07 (152)
Public Transport
Discussed at this meeting.
24/07/07 (35)
Parking in Aldbourne Avenue
Residents to be asked to confirm the current situation.

It was

RESOLVED that the items in relation to parking at Earley St Peter’s School, and public transport be removed from the Ongoing Matters list.

129. PRESS RELEASES

It was

RESOLVED that the useful discussions with the Chief Executive Officer of Reading Buses, and the Earley Environmental Group Litter Pick should receive special press attention.

130. TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting was declared closed by the Chairman at 10.20pm.

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