The Planning Committee of Wokingham Council met on Wednesday 12 June 2024 to discuss several significant planning applications. The committee approved the construction of a residential care home on the former Travis Perkins site in Woodley and a householder application for extensions at 20 Old Bath Road, Charvil.

Residential Care Home at Former Travis Perkins Site, Woodley

The committee approved the full application for the proposed erection of a building to form a residential care home (Use Class C2) with access, parking, landscaping, and associated works, following the demolition of all existing buildings on the site. The application, submitted by R Ruscoe of Propco (Woodley Green) Ltd, was discussed in detail, with updates provided in the Supplementary Agenda.

Keith Baker from Woodley Town Council spoke in favour of the application, highlighting the developer's engagement with the community. David Lobb, the applicant, emphasized the family-run nature of the business and its commitment to local employment and community outreach. Councillor Alison Swaddle also supported the application, noting the positive reception from local residents.

Councillor Andrew Mickleburgh praised the developer's community engagement, while Councillor Wayne Smith questioned the calculation of the Housing Land Supply contribution. The committee resolved to approve the application, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure an Employment Skills Plan, in accordance with Policy TB12 of the MDD.

Extensions at 20 Old Bath Road, Charvil

The committee also approved a householder application for a series of extensions at 20 Old Bath Road, Charvil. The application, submitted by Mr Tino Simon, included a single-storey front extension, single-storey side extension, two-storey side extension, and part single-storey part two-storey rear extension, along with changes to fenestration and the demolition of an existing detached garage.

Rob Jones from Charvil Parish Council and resident George Enock spoke in objection to the application, citing concerns about the scale of the development and its impact on natural light and the street scene. Despite these objections, the committee noted that most issues had been addressed in previously approved applications. Councillor David Cornish and Councillor Bill Soane discussed the minor changes in the new proposal, such as a 5cm increase in roof height.

The committee resolved to approve the application, subject to conditions and informatives set out in the agenda, including an additional condition regarding boundary treatment.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Minutes of Previous Meeting.