Agenda item

Erection of two new build detached houses following demolition of an existing redundant office building.

(As clarified by additional Contamination Information Received 16 April 2020, Heritage statement received 17 April 2020 and Agent's email and plan received  6 May 2020 addressing drainage issues).

The committee considered application P20/S0762/FUL  for the erection of two new build detached houses following demolition of an existing redundant office building (as clarified by additional Contamination Information Received 16 April 2020, Heritage statement received 17 April 2020 and Agent's email and plan received  6 May 2020 addressing drainage issues) at Boshers (Cholsey) Ltd., 6 Reading Road, Cholsey.

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

The planning officer reiterated that the application entailed the demolition of an existing building, with the erection of two detached houses, incorporating the demolition of a wall to provide access.

The planning officer summarised the objections which had been received on the application, which included Cholsey Parish Council’s contention that the loss of the house and wall would adversely affect the street scene. Neighbours regretted the loss of what they considered to be an attractive Victorian flint and brick wall, incorporating a post box of the same period. It was reported that the Conservation Officer considered that the house had limited heritage value and thus had no objection to the application. The planning officer also reported that the council had negotiated with the developer the retention of the post box and its pillar, receiving a written assurance. Officers would seek to persuade the developer to retain as much of the wall as possible.

With reference to paragraph 6.12 of the report, the planning officer reported that the agent had offered a payment of £19,602 to meet the additional affordable housing contribution. This accorded with Policy CSH3 of the Core Strategy in achieving a level of affordable housing. The payment was required prior to the completion of the development.

Councillor Anne-Marie Simpson, a local ward councillor, spoke to the application.

In response to questions from the committee, the planning officer reported that the demolition of the wall did not require planning consent. Additionally, the developer’s written undertaking to retain the pillar box was an adequate safeguard for the development to proceed.  However, a further planning condition concerning the retention of the pillar box could be added to any consent to provide full assurance. The committee supported this suggestion.

With reference to paragraph 1.6 of the report, a query was raised about the removal of the requirement to provide solar panels on the dwellings, the planning officer reported that this was a condition under the September 2019 planning permission for the market housing. However, as it had transpired, the roofs of the development were not suitable for the panels. Also, occupiers of the completed development would be at liberty to provide their own panels as they wished. The requirement for electric charging points for vehicles at each dwelling remained unamended.

A motion moved and seconded, to grant planning permission, with an additional condition regarding the retention of the post box and pillar, was declared carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: to grant planning permission for application P20/S0762/FUL subject to the following conditions:

Standard Conditions

1. Commencement three years - Full Planning Permission.

2. Approved plans.

Pre commencement conditions

3. Surface water drainage scheme.

4. Investigate for contamination.

Compliance conditions

5. Materials as specified.

6. Remediate for any contamination.

7. Bird and bat boxes required.

8. Provide new access.

9.  Close existing access.

10. Provide vision splay.

11. Provide parking and manoeuvring areas.