Up to 70 homes at Land to the north of School Road, Arborfield Cross

What was proposed

An outline scheme proposed up to 70 homes, access, landscaping, open space and associated works, with only access decided at this stage.

“Applicant Croudace Homes, Vortal Homes Limited and Falcon Developments (SE) Limited Site Address Land to the north of School Road Arborfield Cross Proposal Outline application for the proposed residential development of up to 70 dwellings together with associated access, landscaping, open space and associated works. (All matters reserved except for means of access.) Type Outline Officer Joanna Carter Reason for determination by committee Listed by Councillor…”

Officer report

What people said

Additional representations raised wildlife, boundary, traffic and school-safety concerns, while the applicant’s agent highlighted housing need, affordable homes and highway improvements.

“Six additional representations had been received following the publication of the agenda. • The Council had received reports of badger presence within the site. The Council was aware of locations of badger setts in the area and considered that the proposal would not result in fragmentation of their foraging habitats, in particular given the green infrastructure provision around the perimeter of the site, or impact on significant setts.”

“[the agent], agent, spoke in support of the application. The application had followed a previous refusal on a larger site area, and an appeal had been submitted with regards to this. He commented that there was a housing shortage and that this was chronic in the Borough. 40% of housing in the site would be affordable housing. [the agent] emphasised the importance of communities having the ability to thrive through choice.”

Minutes

Who spoke

A parish council representative, a resident, the applicant’s agent and the ward member addressed the committee.

Members’ debate

Members questioned School Road access, the highways objection, the site’s sustainability, differences from the earlier scheme, medical provision, bus funding and the tilted balance.

“Councillor Wayne Smith asked about access and School Road. Alan Lewis, Highways Officer responded that the closure was further along School Road, close to Wood Lane. The resultant change on the relevant part of School Road would be the addition of the development and school traffic, so traffic would still be approximately 10-15% of what it was prior to the closure of School Road.”

“Councillor Wayne Smith asked why Highways had submitted an objection. Alan Lewis clarified that there had been concerns about the site location and sustainability. He referred to the tilted balance.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to approve the application, subject to amended and additional conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.

“RESOLVED: That application 250735 be approved subject to the (i) conditions and informatives as set out in Appendix 1, amended condition 1 and additional condition 34 as set out in the Update paper, and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure the following planning obligations: • Affordable Housing – 40% secured on site • Healthcare – contribution towards improvements of healthcare facilities at Swallowfield Medical Practice • Employment and Skills –…”

“OR (ii) That the committee authorises the Head of Development Management to refuse full planning permission if the legal agreement is not completed within six months of the date of this resolution (unless officers on behalf of the Head of Development Management agree to a later date for completion of the legal agreement).”

Minutes