Demolition of existing buildings and Gas Holder and the erection of new buildings ranging between 2 and 9 storeys in height, providing 130 residential units (Class C3) with associated access, car parking, landscaping and open space.

The Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the above application.  An update report was tabled at the meeting which addressed affordable housing and ecology matters, proposed additional heads of terms and conditions and amended the recommendation accordingly.  It set out amendments to the original report to reflect the final adopted wording within the Reading Borough Local Plan and to correct errors.  It also clarified the requirements of the Construction Method Statement condition and had appended two plans and a visual of the new pedestrian connection to the footbridge over the River Kennet.  It was reported at the meeting that a late written objection had been received relating to lack of engagement from the applicant, but these matters had been addressed in the original report.

Comments and objections were received and considered.

Objectors Joanna Brown, Shivraj Hawaldar, Joseph Jones and Daniel Shockley, and the applicant’s agent Karen Charles, attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this application, and the planning case officer summarised a representation from an objector who had not been able to attend the meeting.

Resolved –

(1)      That the Deputy Director of Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services be authorised to grant full planning permission subject to outstanding sustainability (carbon off-setting) matters being satisfactorily resolved and completion of a S106 legal agreement by 4 December 2019 (unless a later date be agreed by the Deputy Director of Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services) to secure the Heads of Terms set out in the original report and the additional Heads of Terms set out in the update report;

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

(3)      That planning permission be subject to the conditions and informatives recommended in the original report, with the amendments and additions recommended in the update report, and an additional condition requiring the submission of a scheme for the retention of the cast iron pipe on site and its incorporation in the development;

(4)      That the Construction and Demolition Management Plan be approved in consultation with Ward Councillors and the Environment Agency;

(5)      That the Traffic Management Sub-Committee be asked to review the access to, and use and future status of, Gas Works Road, Kenavon Drive and the adjacent roads, and the pressure on the Forbury Road roundabout.