Demolition of existing structures and erection of a series of buildings ranging in height from 1 to 11 storeys, including residential dwellings (C3 use class) and retail floorspace (A3 use class), together with a new north-south pedestrian link, connecting Christchurch Bridge to Vastern Road.

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 provided information on: two further submissions from local groups; an extension of time for the determination of the application; clarifications on items within the original report and a copy of the latest masterplan; further information on the planning history; clarifications regarding consultation responses, loss of office use, layout/scale/design and north-south route, local listing, energy and S 106 heads of terms.  The update report proposed amendments to two of the reasons for refusal in the recommendations in the original report.  It also had appended a selection of verified photomontages, a letter from the applicant’s agent and written statements from the registered public speakers.

Comments and objections were received and considered.

Objector Paul Goddard, Supporter Steve Dore and Caroline McHardy and Kim Cohen on behalf of the applicant, attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this application.

Resolved –

(1)      That application 200188/FUL be refused for the reasons set out in the original report, as amended by the update report, with an additional reason for refusal as follows:

·       The proposed development, by virtue of its proposed layout, massing and detailed design, has failed to adequately demonstrate that it is part of a comprehensive approach, ie how it would enable the remainder of the sub-area site allocation to come forward in accordance with the policy expectations of CR11g and would not cause unreasonable burdens on its future development, contrary to Policies CR2, CR11viii and CR11g of the Reading Borough Local Plan (2019) and guidance within the adopted Reading Borough Supplementary Planning Document Reading Station Area Framework (2010).

(2)      That the Deputy Director of Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services be authorised to finalise the reasons for refusal and informatives, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee and Ward Councillors.