191 homes at Land to the north of Arborfield Road west of Shinfield Eastern Relief Road

“Applicant Bellway Homes Limited and the University of Reading Site Address Land to the north of Arborfield Road, west of Shinfield Eastern Relief Road Proposal Full application for the erection of 191 dwellings, open space, landscaping, supporting infrastructure and associated works. Type Full Officer Adriana Gonzalez Reason for determination by committee Major application…”

“The application site comprises a field of circa 7 Ha located on the northern side of Arborfield Road, to the west of the Eastern Relief Road, in Shinfield. The proposal seeks full planning permission for the erection of 191 residential dwellings (Use Class C3), along with public open space, landscaping, drainage infrastructure, parking and access. This will comprise provision for 40% affordable dwellings on site, in this case 76 units.”

“The application site extends to approximately 7Ha and currently comprises grassland previously used for agriculture, bounded to the north by the residential estate immediately south of Cutbush Lane (Phase 1) and a permissive footpath located towards the northern boundary. To the east is the Eastern Relief Road (ERR). To the west is existing housing on Oatlands Road which back onto the site and footpath 7.”

“The site is broadly flat, very slightly undulating with land sloping gently from the high point in the north-west towards the south-east and more discrete levels from south- east to the north-west. The ERR which borders the site to the east is sited slightly above the site level, with its bank running along the eastern site boundary.”

“In this context, it is considered that the development would be a sustainable urban extension to the existing settlement whereby residents would have good access to services and facilities. The masterplan depicts a scheme that makes effective use of the land whilst maintaining/ enhancing the high quality of the environment, and represents sound urban design principles with dwellings fronting the streets which will maximise natural surveillance to the public realm.”

“The proposed development would not result in unacceptable loss of light, outlook or overbearing impact to neighbouring occupiers, and all proposed houses/flats meet Nationally Described Space Standards with satisfactory external amenity provision.”

“The proximity of Flood Zones 2 and 3 to the proposed dwellings and whether climate change could alter risk. • Clarification was sought as to the improvements to Black Boy roundabout and other highways improvements. • Traffic modelling evidence and how the cumulative impact of additional dwellings would be assessed. • Clarification was sought around parking at the nursery. • Cycle/pedestrian connection.”

“Officers advised the submitted plan and Flood Risk Assessment showed the built development within Flood Zone 1, with Flood Zones 2 and 3 located within land proposed as public open space and landscaping. Flood Zone 2 would be over 50m from the back of the dwellings on the eastern side. The public open space was mainly landscaping and was not considered vulnerable. It was noted that an attenuation basin was proposed as part of the Sustainable Drainage Strategy for the site.”

“It was proposed by Councillor Andrea and seconded by Councillor Wayne Smith that the application be approved subject to the inclusion of updated conditions 9 and 12.”