Proposal                      Demolition of existing building (mural wall to be retained and restored), construction of new building to accommodate a community hall (Use Class F2) and 17 no. residential flats (Use Class C3), with associated works and landscaping 

Recommendation        Permitted subject to Legal Agreement.

Partial demolition of existing building, construction of new building to accommodate a community hall (Use Class F2) and 17 no. residential flats (Use Class C3), with associated works and landscaping.

The Committee considered a report on the above application.  An update report was tabled at the meeting which included clarification of the Reading Conservation Area Advisory Committee comments and information on the retention of the mural plaque, use of the community space, sustainability, and the affordable housing review mechanisms.  The update report also clarified the proposed conditions relating to the retention and restoration of the mural and recommended an additional condition to restrict the hours of use of the community space. 

A verbal update was given at the meeting to explain that Historic England guidance was that the impact of development on the fabric of adjacent listed buildings was a material consideration.  It was recommended that to address this issue officers be authorised to draft a condition to require a construction methods statement that detailed how adjacent listed buildings would be protected during construction works.

Comments and objections were received and considered.

Objector Jeff Asemi, and Stuart Hall and Edward Mather on behalf of the applicant, attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this application.

Resolved –

(1)       That the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services be authorised to grant planning permission for application 221364/FUL, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement by 31 January 2024 to secure the Heads of Terms set out in the original report;

(2)       That the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services be authorised to make minor changes to the proposed Heads of Terms and details of the legal agreement as required;

(3)       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;

(4)       That planning permission be subject to the conditions and informatives recommended in the original report, with the additional condition as recommended in the update report;

(5)       That the proposed materials be approved in consultation with Ward Councillors and the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee;

(6)       That the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services be authorised to apply an additional condition to require a construction methods statement that detailed how adjacent listed buildings would be protected during construction works.