Outline planning application, with matters reserved in respect of Appearance, for demolition of the existing clubhouse and the erection of a new residential scheme (c3 use) to include affordable housing and public open space at the former Reading Golf Club.

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 corrected errors in the original report and gave further information on the following, recommending amendments to the Section 106 obligations and two additional conditions as a result:

• Thames Water
• Transport
• Layout/Scale/Landscaping
• Woodland Trust Comments
• Policy CA1b
• Drainage SuDS Basins
• Potential Phasing of Development
• Sustainability

The update report also explained that the Secretary of State had notified the Council on 1 March 2022 that they had received a third party request to call in the application for their determination and had therefore requested that, if planning permission were to be granted, a decision notice was not issued until the Secretary of State had had time to consider whether or not to call in the application.

It was reported verbally at the meeting that 16 further letters of objection and a letter of support from Reading Civic Society had been received since publication of the original report.

Comments and objections were received and considered.

Objectors Clare Grashoff, Steve Harcourt, Helen Lambert and Jennifer Leach, Supporter Richard Stainthorp, the applicant’s agent Jonathan Walton, the applicant Gary Stangoe, Peppard Ward Councillor Clarence Mitchell and Caversham Ward Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this application.

Resolved –   

(1)           That, subject to the Secretary of State confirming that they did not wish to call in the application for their determination, the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services be authorised to grant outline planning permission for application 211843/OUT, subject to completion of a S106 legal agreement by 31 March 2022 (unless a later date be agreed by the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services) to secure the Heads of Terms set out in the original report, with the amendments set out in the update report;

(2)      That, in the event of the requirements set out not being met, the Assistant 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 additional conditions recommended in the update report and an amendment to Condition 18 on the Habitat Enhancement Scheme to specify that the scheme should be designed to maximise provision of and maintenance of the green link across the site.

(Councillor Carnell declared an interest in the above application.  Nature of interest: Councillor Carnell’s nephew was a member of Reading Golf Club.)

(Councillor Robinson declared a prejudicial interest in the above application on the grounds of predetermination.  He addressed the Committee on the application but abstained in the vote on the decision.)