Planning Committee Minutes – 9th March 2021

Erection of front extensions to garages of 2 no. semi-detached dwellings (part retrospective)

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

Installation of a battery storage facility with associated works

·         Cllr Bell proposed that this application goes to full council for a final response.  The Clerk noted that the planning committee decision can be refereed for ratification at full council.  However, it was unanimously agreed to refer to full Council.

·         Cllr Bell noted the height of the battery units, and also the height of the surrounding fence.  This will impact NDP views 7, 8, and 9.

·         The impact on a greenfield site and archaeological site was noted.

·         A biodiversity metric is required.  There is a large herd of deer in the area that will be impacted, and also bats in that specific area.

·         Transport in and out of site will be extremely difficult.

·         Members to submit thoughts to Clerk for submission to full council.

·         Cllr Bell noted that there is an ‘option area’ mentioned in the application, which could mean that there will be further batteries installed later on.

·         Steve Spillane, representing the Silchester Solar Farm group, noted that they are looking for volunteers from Bramley.  They are opposing the battery installation as they feel it is an integral application to the solar farm application.  An objection letter has been drafted for resident’s use.  He noted that Professor Mike Fulford of Reading University has opposed both applications on archaeological grounds.  Mr Spillane also noted that the plans do not highlight the size and what the batteries will look like, and they are looking at getting an artistic impression of what it will actually look like – the group is currently seeking funding for this.

Clerk

All

First floor extension above garage to create office and work space

·         Extension over garage will obstruct one of the original windows.  However, this is the en-suite window, and therefore obscured anyway.  Clerk to seek clarification on this matter.

·         Clerk to ask for clarification on garage use and whether there is permission for this.

·         Otherwise, no objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

Erection of 1no. dwelling and associated parking

·         This is related to an application last year.  Clerk to query whether this means that there might be two houses on the plot, or if this replaces last year’s application.  POST MEETING NOTE: the new application states that it replaces the old application.  Clerk to double check with BDBC.

·         However, there is major issue with sightlines from the access at Cufaude Lane.

·         Will look very overpowering in the street scene context of Cufaude Lane.

·         It was unanimously agreed to object on a similar basis to the original application.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

·         T/00124/21/TCA – Grays House The Street Bramley Tadley

T1 Cherry: fell to ground level

T2 Ash: fell two heavily leaning limbs to ground level

o   Cllrs happy to defer to tree officers view.  Unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward, and to note that these are TPOs and the house is grade 2 listed.

Clerk

These were noted.

No further update on this application.  There are now a great number of neighbour comments on the planning portal, the majority of which appear to be objecting to the application.

Cllr Tomblin has attended a meeting with Highways and BDBC officers re transport at the site.  Highways have not registered an objection.  Cllr Tomblin noted that HGVs will really struggle with access to site, and also there are a number of junctions nearby.  Highways were unaware of battery and NWR applications.  Highways have noted that if the application is turned down on the transport grounds, then it will be overturned at appeal.  Cllr Tomblin stated that it is unlikely that there will be a Highways objection due to the cumulative effect of the three applications.

Cllr Tomblin has enquired when a decision might be made on the application – officers are waiting for outstanding consultee comments.  Cllr Tomblin to check about non-determination and election purdah rules.

Steve Spillane gave an update on the activities of the Solar Farm Residents Group – so far 172 objections have been placed with BDBC.  These are from a good mix of Bramley and Silchester residents.  There are two big banners up in Silchester near the site, and two more going up this week, near Clappers Farm Road and Minchens House.  There is a big campaign coming up this weekend – a leaflet drop in Bramley about the application with a form letter of objection included.  Completed forms can be dropped off at the Village Hall.

Cllr Tomblin

i.            Thames Water contact – a document has been drafted and sent to officers at BDBC outlining the issues in Bramley and all the supporting correspondence – this can be viewed online at www.bramley-pc.gov.uk/sewerage-issues-update-march-2021 .  A meeting between BDBC officers and Councillors and Thames Water is scheduled for 10^th March – all officers concerned have received a copy of the Bramley report.  Cllr Bell has documented all the emails concerning the issue from 2015.

Cllr Tomblin noted that the officer for responsibility for water issues has responded, saying that she will make sure that the issue is raised in the water core strategy.  Discussions with Thames Water to resolve the issue are ongoing.

BDBC would be unlikely to win any appeal refused on the grounds of inadequate sewerage supply.

Cllr Tomblin has highlighted concerns that BDBC officers are not ensuring that conditions for planning permission are not being met at the build stage.  This has been noted by officers.

ii.            Bewley Contact re Centenary Fields – Bewley Homes continue to liaise with BDBC and with Thames Water to try and address some of the issues at Centenary Fields.  Bewley is trying to arrange a meeting between residents, BDBC, and Thames Water.  As well as the external issues, the plumbing systems installed in the homes are being checked.  A meeting has been arranged with TW and residents for 22^nd March.  Cllr Bell requested that Bramley PC be invited to this meeting.

i.            Update on Bramley Brook issues – work has been carried out recently on clearing Bramley Brook, although it is unclear which agencies have been involved.  The Clerk has contacted BDBC for an update, and is awaiting a response.  This has been chased, but still no response.

Path – the enforcement officer at BDBC will be writing to Persimmon about this as the lockdown eases.

Attenuation pond – the fencing has now been removed from the pond, and two lifebelts have been installed at either end.

Possible issue with an area of the brook having taken into a resident’s garden in Oakmead– this is being investigated.

Clerk

Cllr Tomblin noted that the upcoming BDBC Cabinet meeting has a motion to bring two SHELAA sites forward into the Local Plan to address the housing supply issue.  However, this is a somewhat irregular process.  There has also been a minimal consultation period.

Meeting closed at 8.56pm

Two ground floor pitched roofed extensions

No objection, comments

Proposed part conversion of existing garage into habitable space

No objection

Request for screening opinion for proposed battery storage development

EIA requested

The erection of 1 no. dwelling and associated parking and access

Erection of 1 no. single storey dwelling to provide accommodation for parents, associated landscaping and access following demolition of stable/home office

Single mature Lime tree: prune

T1, T2, T3 – Western Red Cedars: prune.

Variation of Section 106 agreement attached to 14/01075/OUT to enable the transfer of the Equipped play area, northern kick about and southern kick about areas to the existing management company instead of the Parish Council

Single storey front extension.

1 Lime: fell

Installation of renewable led energy generating station, comprising ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays, battery-based electricity storage containers together with substation, inverter/ transformer stations, site accesses, internal access tracks, security measures, access gates, other ancillary infrastructure, landscaping biodiversity enhancements including a Forest School, associated car parking and Nature Area

Variation of Section 106 agreement to modify the mortgagee in possession clause

Installation of a 2kWp solar array consisting of 7 solar panels mounted on a ballasted flat roof mounting system (see also 21/00096/LBC for the same property)

Certificate of lawfulness for the proposed erection of a single storey rear extension

Variation of conditions 1 and 5 of Planning Permission 20/01036/FUL to amend the plans numbers and drainage details

Erection of single storey pitched roof rear extension

1 Oak: pollard: Leaving a finished height of 10m and a radius of 4m