2-storey side and 3-storey rear extension and conversion of dwelling to contain 8 flats (6 x 1-bed, 2 x 2-bed) parking, demolition of existing garage and associated works. 

The Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the above application.  An update report was tabled at the meeting, giving details of three further objections received, clarifying the situation on affordable housing and amending the recommendation accordingly, proposing an additional condition for separation of rear amenity space.  In accordance with the protocol for online meetings of the Committee, the update report presented additional written statements from an objector Estela Duque and the applicant’s agent Neil Davis in lieu of speaking on the application at the meeting

Comments and objections were received and considered.

Resolved –

That application 191915/FUL be refused for the following reasons:

(1)      The proposed development, by virtue of its bulk, mass and scale and detailed design in relation to the host dwelling, a non-designated heritage asset, would harm the overall character and appearance of the area, including the setting of the non-designated heritage asset. The proposal is considered to not respond positively to the local context or sufficiently respect the character and appearance of the host dwelling contrary to Policies CC7 (Design and the Public Realm), EN1 (Protection and Enhancement of the Historic Environment), H9 (House Extensions and Ancillary Accommodation), and TR3 (Access, Traffic and Highway Related Matters) of the Reading Borough Local Plan (2019);

(2)      In the absence of a completed S106 Legal Agreement the proposal fails to secure an acceptable Affordable Housing contribution towards meeting housing needs in the Borough and fails to provide for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to amend parking restrictions in the Controlled Parking Zone on Brunswick Hill to allow the creation of a vehicular access. Therefore the proposal is contrary to policies CC9 (Securing Infrastructure), and H3 (Affordable Housing) of the Reading Borough Local Plan (2019).