Proposal:                   Use of existing 2FE primary school for up to 420 pupils.

Recommendation:   Grant subject to S106

Use of existing 2FE primary school for up to 420 pupils.

The Committee considered a report on the above application.  An update report was tabled at the meeting which set out further responses received to the consultation and an update on transport matters.

Comments and objections were received and considered.

Councillor Davies took the chair for this item as Councillor Gavin had declared a pecuniary interest.  In accordance with Standing Order 28 Councillor Gavin addressed the Committee on this application as Caversham Ward Councillor before leaving the meeting.  Caversham Heights Ward Councillors Isobel Ballsdon and Sam Juthani also addressed the Committee on this application.

Objectors Hilary Smart and Elisa Miles, representing WADRA, Hayley Harrison representing the applicant, and Mike Ibbott the applicant’s agent, attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this application.

Resolved –

(1)       That application PL/23/1023 (FUL) be refused planning permission;

(2)       That the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services, in consultation with the Vice-Chair of the Committee, be authorised to finalise the reasons for refusal, to include the following issues raised by the Committee: that there was no proven unmet need for school places in the North Reading area, that the application would not increase choice of school places, and could diminish choice if it had a negative impact on the viability of other schools in the North Reading area, and that the application was therefore contrary to paragraph 99 of the NPPF (December 2023) and Policy OU1 of the Reading Borough Local Plan 2019.

(Councillor Gavin declared a pecuniary interest in this item on the grounds that she was a Governor of Caversham Primary school and an objection to the application by Brighter Futures for Children Limited had stated that it would threaten the sustainability and financial viability of other schools in North Reading including Caversham Primary school.  Councillor Gavin made a statement as Ward Councillor then left the meeting and took no part in the debate or decision.)