Outline planning application with matters reserved in respect of Appearance for demolition of clubhouse and erection of a new residential scheme (c3 use) including affordable housing and public open space at former reading golf club without complying with conditions 5 (Plans), 8&9 (Emissions) 10&11 (SuDS), 12 (Levels), 13 (Mix), 17 (AMS), 19 (Habitat Enhancement), 20 (CEMP), 22 (Biodiversity), 25&26 (Contamination), 29 (CMS), 34 (Cycle Parking), 35 (Refuse), 39 (Car Parking), 41 (Traffic Calming) & 44 (Archaeology) of outline permission 211843 for amendments including changes to layout, mix, parking, drainage, landscaping, open space and energy

The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the above application.  An update report was tabled at the meeting which set out a summary received from the applicant of their own public consultation and information on biodiversity.  The report also made amendments to the application description and the recommended conditions relating to dwelling mix, boundary treatment, landscape management plan, a habitat enhancement scheme, Construction Method Statement, Security Strategy and Play Facilities and provided updated drawing and plan references.

Comments and objections were received and considered.

At the meeting an additional condition was recommended to require review of the energy capacity supply prior to any phases of the development where dwellings without an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) were currently proposed, and to require futureproofing of those dwellings where a review demonstrated that there was still insufficient capacity for ASHPs to be included.

Resolved –

(1)      That the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services be authorised to grant planning permission for application 221312/VAR, subject to completion of a S106 legal agreement by 12 April 2023 (unless a later date be agreed by the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services) to secure the Heads of Terms set out in the original report;

(2)      That, in the event of the requirements set out not being met, the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services be authorised to refuse permission;

(3)      That planning permission be subject to the conditions and informatives as recommended in the original report, with the amendments set out in the update report and an additional condition to require that, prior to any phase of the development that included proposed dwelling(s) without an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), a review of the energy capacity supply for the development be submitted to the planning authority for review to establish whether an ASHP could be incorporated into the development at that stage, and that where it was demonstrated that there was not capacity details of the futureproofing of the dwelling(s) for installation of an ASHP be submitted for approval.