190 homes and green space at Land At Eversley Centre, Reading Road, Eversley

What was proposed

An outline scheme proposed up to 190 homes, commercial space, SANG, new accesses, demolition of agricultural buildings and associated infrastructure.

“Description of Proposal: Outline application for development of up to 190 residential dwellings (Class C3), Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), up to 500 sqm of flexible Class E floorspace, demolition of existing agricultural buildings, formation of new accesses and all other associated works and infrastructure with principle and access to be considered.”

Officer report

The site

The site comprises grassed fields, woodland at Lower Eversley Copse, agricultural buildings, tree lines and public footpaths.

“The application site comprises a series of grassed fields south of Reading Road and west of Chequers Lane, as well as the majority of the woodland at Lower Eversley Copse. The northerly part features two distinct tree lines, while buildings at Hollybush Farm are situated on the south-easterly parcel. A series of public footpaths run through the site broadly along the edges of the woodland, and north-west of the farm buildings.”

Officer report

Planning history

A 2017 environmental impact assessment screening request for residential development concluded that the proposal was not EIA development.

“17/01608/EIA – Request for an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Opinion under the 2011 EIA Regulations. Proposed residential development, Land off Eversley Centre, Eversley. Not EIA development 01/08/2017.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor and a representative of the Yateley Society spoke against the application, while the applicant’s representative spoke in support.

What members discussed

Members discussed sewerage upgrades, access, paths, SANG accessibility, drainage, the DRT, retail space, education contributions, powerlines and sustainability.

“Thames Water’s comments regarding the timeframe for the requisite sewerage infrastructure upgrades • vehicular access and egress • issues concerning the proposed cycle and pedestrian pathway • whether the SANG would be accessible to all • surface water drain-off • the proposed demand responsive travel service (DRT) • the proposed retail space • the lack of a request for a financial contribution from the Local Education Authority • powerline proximity and associated noise…”

“land to be used for the SANG • access from Hollybush Lane • job creation, as highlighted in the application in respect of the proposed retail unit…”

Minutes

How members voted

Members rejected a motion to defer for more information, then voted to grant permission subject to the recommendations.

“During discussion, it was moved by Cllr Southern and seconded by Cllr Forster that consideration of the application should be deferred to ask the applicant for more information on the workability of the DRT and the cycle and footpaths. A recorded vote was taken:”

“The recorded vote on the motion to defer was lost.”

Minutes

The decision

The Committee granted outline permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, with refusal if the agreement was not completed within six months.

“The Committee resolved to grant outline permission, subject to the conditions set out in the Committee report and the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure the following matters:”

“The Committee agreed that, in the event the Section 106 agreement is not completed within six months of the date of the Committee resolution (or such longer period as may be agreed by the Development Manager), planning permission be refused for the reasons set out in the Committee report.”

Minutes