Decisions

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Alternatively you can visit the Officer Decisions page and Officer Decision Notices folders for information on decisions that have been taken by council officers under delegated powers.

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Decisions published

02/11/2020 - Endorsement of Reading Climate Emergency Strategy 2020-25 & Adoption of Corporate Carbon Plan 2020-25 ref: 479    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 02/11/2020 - Policy Committee

Decision published: 04/12/2020

Effective from: 02/11/2020

Decision:

The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report asking the Committee to endorse the final Reading Climate Change Partnership’s Reading Climate Emergency Strategy 2020-25 and adopt the new Reading Borough Council Corporate Carbon Plan 2020-25.  The following documents were attached to the report:

 

·       Appendix 1 - Reading Climate Emergency Strategy 2020-25

·       Appendix 2 - Consultation Report on Reading Climate Emergency Strategy 2020-25

·       Appendix 3 - RBC corporate Carbon Plan 2020-25

 

The report explained that the Reading Climate Emergency Strategy set out the road map for the next five years to work towards the goal of achieving a ‘net zero carbon’ Reading by 2030 as per the Climate Emergency declaration.  A draft of the Strategy had been approved for public consultation by the Committee at its meeting on 9 March 2020 (Minute 78 refers) and the Reading Climate Change Partnership (RCCP) had now revised the Strategy in the light of feedback received during the consultation.  Having considered the outcomes of public consultation, the RCCP Board had not felt that the ambitious goal of achieving a net zero carbon Reading by 2030 could credibly be accelerated still further.  There had, however, been changes agreed to the commitments and targets in the Action Plans within the Strategy in response to the desire expressed in consultation for more ambition.  The Strategy had also been revised to reflect the inevitable delay of some actions due to the disruption caused by COVID-19.  The final text had been agreed by the RCCPBoard on 22 September and was attached to the report at Appendix 1.  A consultation report, summarising the comments received and the changes made to the strategy as a result, was attached at Appendix 2.

 

The report noted that the RBC corporate Carbon Plan would take forward the Council’s own commitment to delivering on the wider aspirations of the strategy and would enable the Council to lead by example as it encouraged Reading’s businesses, organisations and residents to take action on climate change. The headline target within the Carbon Plan was to achieve an 85% reduction in RBC emissions by 2025 compared to the 2008/09 baseline. This was considered an ambitious but achievable target, subject to existing investment plans and policies being maintained, and an appropriate milestone on the road to becoming a net zero carbon Council by 2030.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)      That the Reading Climate Change Partnership’s ‘Reading Climate Emergency Strategy 2020-25’ be endorsed;

 

(2)      That the revised RBC corporate Carbon Plan for 2020-25 and the headline target of an 85% reduction on 2008/09 emissions by 2025 be adopted.

Wards affected: Boroughwide;


19/11/2020 - Equality Audit 2019/20 ref: 487    For Determination

Decision Maker: Personnel Committee

Made at meeting: 19/11/2020 - Personnel Committee

Decision published: 02/12/2020

Effective from: 19/11/2020

Decision:

The Assistant Director of HR and Organisational Development submitted a report, presenting the Committee with an Equality Audit for 2019/20, which provided a summary or equalities monitoring data for the Council’s current workforce and job applicants, and monitored trends over time.  The report also provided the Committee with an update on progress that had been made towards meeting the requirements set out in the Tackling Employment Inequality Motion that had been moved and carried at the meeting of Council on 20 October 2020.  The Equality Audit 2019/20 was attached to the report at Appendix 1, a summary of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter was attached at Appendix 2 and the ongoing initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion in the workforce was attached to the report at Appendix 3.

The report stated that the percentage of the workforce who identified as being from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (BAME) had remained relatively stable in the previous two years and stood at 14.2% in 2019/20 (the percentage of BAME people in the economically active population within the Borough boundaries was 23%).  The percentage of BAME job applicants in 2019/20 was 30.9% and the percentage of candidates from BAME backgrounds who were appointed in the same period was 17.2%.  At the meeting of Council on 20 October 2020 a motion had been moved and carried on Tackling Employment Inequality, this had included a signatory to Business in the Community (BITC) Race at Work Charter, the commitments were as follows:

·         Appoint an Executive Sponsor for Race;

·         Capture ethnicity data and publicise progress;

·         Commit at board level to zero tolerance of harassment and bullying;

·         Make clear that supporting equality in the workplace was the responsibility of all leaders and managers;

·         Take action that supported ethnic minority career progression.

The report stated that the Council employed more female staff, with 59.1% females and 40.9% males, although this had reduced in the previous three years.  The Council still attracted more applications from women than men, however, these numbers were now more closely aligned than in 2018/19 with almost equal proportions of applications from men and women in 2019/20 (52.5% female and 46.1% male).

A slightly larger percentage of applicants stated that they had a disability (3.9%) than the existing workforce (3.7%), this compared with a 6% economically active population within the Borough.  The report detailed the work that had previously been carried out in this area and the actions that were suggested to increase the number of disabled staff.

The report explained the that Council had already carried out a number of initiatives to support diversity and inclusion at work.  A Team Reading Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan was being created which brought together actions from the various equality strands to enable more effective monitoring and reporting to the Corporate Management Team and to Personnel Committee.  The Action Plan would include steps that were being taken to address the staffing issues that had not already been covered in the report which were contained in the motion to Council in October 2020.  The Action Plan would also be informed by the findings of the more detailed equality audit to be carried out with assistance from BITC.

Shella Smith informed the Committee that work was ongoing with the Joint Trade Unions to agree a final version of paragraph 4.4 of the Equality Audit; when agreed this would be included in the final version of the Audit.  Shella also reported that the Council had received around 10,000 applications for jobs since January 2020, with 30% being from applicants who had identified themselves as being from BAME backgrounds.  However, the applicants were not getting through to successful posts in the same percentages, so work needed to be done in helping those from BAME backgrounds with, for example, CVs and interview techniques, with the aim of creating a ‘level playing field’ for all applicants.

Resolved:

(1)     That the Equality Audit for 2019/20, attached to the report at Appendix 1, be noted;

(2)     That the Council had signed the Business in the Community (BITC) Race at Work Charter, attached to the report at Appendix 2, and the work underway to explore working with BITC to carry out a more in-depth equality audit at the Council, the results of which would be used to develop actions to create a more inclusive culture at the Council, be noted;

(3)     That an Ethnicity Pay Gap Report for 2020, alongside the Gender Pay Gap Report for 2020, be submitted to the meeting on 17 March 2021.


19/11/2020 - Review of the Council's Employment Policies ref: 486    For Determination

Decision Maker: Personnel Committee

Made at meeting: 19/11/2020 - Personnel Committee

Decision published: 02/12/2020

Effective from: 19/11/2020

Decision:

The Assistant Director of HR and Organisational Development submitted a report, presenting the Committee with thirteen Employment Policies which had been reviewed jointly and agreed with the Joint Trade Unions.  The review of the Council’s employment policy framework aimed to ensure that all employment policies were clear, easy to understand, up to date and reviewed regularly.  The following appendices were attached to the report:

Appendix A

Annual Leave Policy

Appendix B

Code of Conduct

Appendix C

Disruption to Normal Working Arrangements Policy

Appendix D

Recruitment and Selection Policy

Appendix E

Guidance on Recruitment and Retention of People with a Disability

Appendix F

Whistle Blowing Policy

Appendix G

Transgender Policy

Appendix H

Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy

Appendix I

Long Service Awards

Appendix J

Family Leave Policy

Appendix K

Overpayment Recovery Policy

Appendix L

Gifts and Hospitality Policy

Appendix M

Volunteering Policy

Appendix N

Equality Impact Assessment

The report explained that all employment policies would be reviewed by the HR and Organisational Development Team before the end of March 2021 and submitted to the Committee, following negotiations with the Joint Trade Unions.  The policies had been prioritised because they did not reflect current best practice or were out of date and hence put the Council at risk.  A Transgender Policy, Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy, Overpayment and Recovery Policy and Volunteering Policy were missing from the current policy framework; this had been addressed and new policies covering these areas were now included. 

The report included a table that set out in summary terms for each of the revised policies the issues which had been addressed together with additional key changes that had been agreed with the Joint Trade Unions.  Once the policy review was complete, hyperlinks would be added to the policies where they cross-referenced with other policies.  The report also included a summary of the new policies and a table that set out the process that had been followed for agreeing the policies with the Joint Trade Unions.  A communications plan was also in place to communicate the revised policies to managers and employees. 

The Committee discussed the report and the Employment Policies and specifically the Volunteering Policy and the requirement for the voluntary work to take place in the Borough when many people might not live in Reading or just over its borders.  It was agreed that this part of the Policy should be reviewed in 12 months’ time.

Resolved:    

(1)     That the following revised/new HR policies, as set out in in Appendices A to M attached to the report, be approved:

·         Annual Leave Policy;

·         Code of Conduct;

·         Disruption to Normal Working Arrangements Policy;

·         Recruitment and Selection Policy;

·         Guidance on Recruitment and Retention of People with a Disability;

·         Whistle Blowing Policy;

·         Transgender Policy;

·         Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy;

·         Long Service Awards;

·         Family Leave Policy;

·         Overpayment Recovery Policy;

·         Gifts and Hospitality Policy;

·         Volunteering Policy;

(2)     That the requirement in the Volunteering Policy that the voluntary work take place in the Borough be reviewed in 12 months’ time.


19/11/2020 - Flexible Retirement Requests ref: 488    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Personnel Committee

Made at meeting: 19/11/2020 - Personnel Committee

Decision published: 02/12/2020

Effective from: 19/11/2020


27/11/2020 - 617 Additional Restrictions Grant Fund ref: 485    For Determination

Decisions set out in the book have been made under delegated powers by the Chief Executive, Executive Directors or the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer, in consultation either with the relevant committee or Lead Councillor.

The Decision Book process has been altered to suspend the current Councillors’ call-in arrangements within the 10-day period after its publication and replace it with the ability during that period for three Councillors to request a retrospective review of the decision in writing to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The decision book can be accessed on the Council’s website –

https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/mgListOfficerDecisions.aspx?bcr=1&BAM=0

The officer reports accompanying the decisions are attached.

Contact: Richard Woodford Committee Services
Tel: 0118 937 2332
e-mail: richard.woodford@reading.gov.uk


Decision Maker: Chief Executive

Decision published: 27/11/2020

Effective from: 27/11/2020

Decision:

This report sets out the decision to implement the Additional Restrictions Grant Fund Scheme.

It is the decision of the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council that an Additional Restrictions Grant Fund Scheme in respect of 4 priority business types and a hardship fund for businesses located in the Reading Borough meeting the criteria set out in the report is introduced.


Lead officer: Richard Woodford


25/11/2020 - 616 • Admission Agreement to Participate in the Local Government Pension Scheme ref: 483    Recommendations Approved

Decisions set out in the book have been made under delegated powers by the Chief Executive, Executive Directors or the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer, in consultation either with the relevant committee or Lead Councillor.

The Decision Book process has been altered to suspend the current Councillors’ call-in arrangements within the 10-day period after its publication and replace it with the ability during that period for three Councillors to request a retrospective review of the decision in writing to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The decision book can be accessed on the Council’s website –

https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/mgListOfficerDecisions.aspx?bcr=1&BAM=0

The officer reports accompanying the decisions are attached.
Contact: Richard Woodford Committee Services
Tel: 0118 937 2332
e-mail: richard.woodford@reading.gov.uk

Decision Maker: Executive Director of Community and Adult Social Care Services

Decision published: 25/11/2020

Effective from: 25/11/2020

Decision:

This report sets out the decision by the Council to enter into an Admission Agreement with Change Grow Live to participate in the Local Government Pension Scheme and for the Council to act as Guarantor to the Admission Agreement by entering into the Guarantor Agreement.

It is the decision of the Executive Director - Social Care and Health in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Health Wellbeing and Sport to enter into the Admission Agreement and the Guarantor Agreement.

Lead officer: Richard Woodford


07/10/2020 - 191265/FUL - St Paul's Church, Whitley Wood Lane ref: 468    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Applications Committee

Made at meeting: 07/10/2020 - Planning Applications Committee

Decision published: 24/11/2020

Effective from: 07/10/2020

Decision:

Redevelop the site, creating a new Church Centre building, comprising Cafe, Worship Area, Meeting Rooms, two one bed residential flats and also a Health Centre Building

 

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the above application.  An update report was tabled at the meeting which set out information on a further visual survey of an Ash tree to determine whether it had the potential to host a bat roost, and explained that amended plans had been submitted by the agent which included a reconfigured internal layout.  The update report also had appended a written statement in support of the proposal from Alok Sharma MP and a written statement from the applicant’s agent, DLK Architects, which had been submitted in lieu of speaking at the Committee.  It was reported at the meeting that an additional objection had been received since preparation of the update report but that the issues raised had been covered in the original or update reports.

 

 

Comments and objections were received and considered.

 

Whitley Ward Councillors Rachel Eden and Micky Leng attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this application.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)      That the Deputy Director of Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services be authorised to grant full planning permission for application 191265/FUL, subject to completion of a section 106 legal agreement by 27 November 2020 (unless a later date be agreed by the Deputy Director of Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services) to secure the Heads of Terms set out in the original report;

 

(2)      That, in the event of the requirements set out not being met, the Deputy Director of Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services be authorised to refuse permission;

 

(3)      That planning permission be subject to the conditions and informatives as recommended in the original report.

Wards affected: Whitley;


07/10/2020 - 201108/FUL - Unit 1, Stadium Way, Tilehurst ref: 469    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Applications Committee

Made at meeting: 07/10/2020 - Planning Applications Committee

Decision published: 24/11/2020

Effective from: 07/10/2020

Decision:

Proposed industrial unit to replace existing fire damaged industrial unit. The new building will consist of 4 smaller base build units suitable for class use B1(C), B2 or B8 with flexibility for trade counter fit out (B8). Note, Demolition of existing building has been covered under separate Prior Approval - Demolition of Building Application.

 

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the above application.  An update report was tabled at the meeting which set out additional transport information, comments from Environmental Protection officers and confirmation that there were no objections from the Environment Agency.  Eight additional conditions relating to transport and environmental protection were recommended.

 

Comments were received and considered.

 

Resolved –

 

          That planning permission for application 201108/FUL be granted, subject to the conditions and informatives as recommended in the original report, with the additional conditions as recommended in the update report.

Wards affected: Kentwood;


07/10/2020 - 201109/REG3 & 201110/LBC - Katesgrove Primary School, Dorothy Street ref: 470    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Applications Committee

Made at meeting: 07/10/2020 - Planning Applications Committee

Decision published: 24/11/2020

Effective from: 07/10/2020

Decision:

201109/REG3 - New boiler flue to East elevation of Henry Building. Replacement buttressing to retaining wall of Henry Building.

 

201110/LBC – Listed Building Consent for the above proposal

 

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the above applications.  It was reported at the meeting that the applicant had not confirmed the use of materials details and that it was therefore recommended that the relevant pre-commencement conditions be imposed.  It was also reported that the Environmental Protection team had confirmed that they had no objections to the proposals.

 

Comments were received and considered.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)      That, pursuant to Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992, the carrying out of the development 201109/REG3 be authorised, subject to the conditions and informatives as recommended;

 

(2)      That Listed Building Consent for application 201110/LBC be granted, subject to the conditions and informatives as recommended in the report, with the additional pre-commencement conditions regarding use of materials as recommended at the meeting.

Wards affected: Katesgrove;


07/10/2020 - 191792/FUL - 71-73 Caversham Road ref: 467    Refused

Decision Maker: Planning Applications Committee

Made at meeting: 07/10/2020 - Planning Applications Committee

Decision published: 24/11/2020

Effective from: 07/10/2020

Decision:

Demolition of former retail warehouse and erection of a mixed-use building comprising 44 residential units consisting of x5 affordable units, 194 sqm of retail floorspace (Use Class A1) at ground floor and associated car parking, cycle parking and landscaping.

 

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the above application.  An update report was tabled at the meeting which summarised a petition against the proposed demolition of the building and two additional letters of representation that had been received, and set out written statements from the Reading Conservation Area Advisory Committee, Caversham and District Residents Association and the Bell Tower Community Association. The report also explained that the applicant had agreed to make an Addendum to the original Financial Viability report publicly available, which was attached at Appendix 1. The information had been provided to support the revised affordable housing position and showed that, should permission be granted, the developer was willing to accept a less competitive rate of return on the site.  The applicant had also confirmed that the application’s CIL obligation and S106 contribution for Open Space and Leisure would not affect the agreed affordable housing offer as set out in Appendix 1.

 

Comments and objections were received and considered.

 

Objectors Evelyn Williams (Reading Conservation Area Advisory Committee) and David Neale (Bell Tower Community Association), and Sam Berg the applicant’s agent, attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this application.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)           That application 191792/FUL be refused for the following reasons:

 

a)    the proposed removal of a building classified as a non-designated heritage asset would cause substantial harm to the special architectural and historical interest of that asset and a reduction in significance of the remaining buildings to the rear resulting in harm to those remaining non-designated heritage assets, contrary to policies EN1 and EN4 of the Local Plan and Section 16 of the NPPF;

 

b)    the proposed replacement building would be out of scale with the neighbouring buildings within the adjoining sites on Northfield Road and Caversham Road and the development would therefore fail to appropriately transition down to the more modestly-scaled buildings due to the proximity and the abrupt change in the building height, contrary to Policies CC7, EN1 and EN4 of the Local Plan;

 

c)    the lack of a Section 106 agreement;

 

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

Wards affected: Abbey;