To consider the Head of Planning’s report on planning applications received.

Full details on all planning applications (including application forms, site plans, objections received, correspondence etc.) can be found by accessing the Planning Applications Public Access Module at http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/pam/search.jsp

18/02033*      Eton College: Construction of a new school sports centre comprising a 9-court sports hall capable of offering multipurpose indoor sports, x8 squash courts, general fitness spaces, an athlete development programme space including a sprint track, dojo space, physio spaces, classrooms and offices for PE staff and students, a triple height combing wall space, rifle range and associated plant, storage, WC and changing facilities. Construction of a new Eton Sports and Aquatics Centre comprising a 25m pool with movable floor suitable for swimming, water polo and teaching use, a 4-court sports hall capable of offering multi-purpose indoor sports and exam use, changing facilities, a spectator area at first floor level which also provides a meet-up space and refreshment point for post-match use, associated plant and storage provision, associated car and coach parking and new access track off Slough Road. Refurbishment and extension of the rackets courts building to provide a new clubroom and changing facilities. Refurbishment of fives courts, a new printmaking pavilion to house historic printing presses adjacent to Caxton Schools, following demolition of the existing buildings comprising the gymnasium, indoor swimming pool and the outdoor swimming pool complex (Amended Plans) at College Eton College, Slough Road, Eton, Windsor SL4 6DJ.

                     The Panel debated the item, and the recommendation put forward by officers. Whilst members felt that the officer had produced a high quality report considering the key matters well, it became clear through the debate that members felt that greater weight should be assigned to some of the very special circumstances advanced by the applicant.

                     In their recommendation officers had considered that the following weight should in their opinion be assigned to the very special of the case circumstances:

                      After debating the case, Members considered that greater weight should be afforded to the Very Special Circumstances case in the following areas:

1.    Need for college to upgrade and improve their existing indoor sports facilities to enable pupils to participate in full curriculum of sports, to ensure adequate recreation space for pupils and to ensure continued success of College in attracting pupils and delivering for their needs – Weight afforded should be increased to Very Significant.

2.    Community benefits from the proposed use of facilities by local schools and local residents – Weight afforded should be changed to Very Significant (This will be secured with a Legal Agreement).

3.    High Quality of the Design of the scheme – Weight afforded should be increased to moderate. Members noted the very positive comments with regards the design from Historic England.

4.    Members noted that there would be an increase in employment opportunities and felt that should be added to the Very Special Circumstances case even if the weight afforded could only be set at very limited.

                     Once these issues had been identified, members further discussed the item and the benefits and harm arising as a result of the proposal.  A motion to approve the development was advanced on the basis of the above revised very special circumstances weightings. In advancing approval members considered that the balance had now tilted in favour of approval and the very special circumstances now clearly outweighed the harm.

                      – A vote then took place and the Panel voted UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORISE THE GRANTING OF PLANNING PERMISSION (contrary to the Head of Planning’s recommendation). The grant of planning permission was delegated to the Head of Planning subject to a legal agreement be agreed that secured a suitable level of community use of the facilities, relevant conditions and referral to the Secretary of State.

                        (The Panel was addressed by Dr Roz Rivas of the Eton and Eton Wick Neighbourhood Plan Group in support of the application and Simon Henderson the Head Master of Eton College and Katherine Russell the Head Teacher at Eton Porny School in favour of the application).

18/02637       Mr Collett: Outline application for access, layout and scale to be considered at this stage with all matters to be reserved for the construction of 2 x two bedroom dwellings, 14 apartments, associated parking and new vehicular access following the demolition of 9-11 Imperial Road at 9-11 Imperial Road, Windsor.

                     THE PANEL VOTED UNANIMOUSLY delegate to the Head of Planning to:

1.    Secure an appropriate level of affordable housing following negotiations with the applicant and then to APPROVE planning permission subject to a legal agreement to secure the agreed affordable housing contribution and subject to the conditions set out in Section 13 of the Main Report. Or;

2.    Refuse planning permission for the lack of affordable housing if no agreement has been reached on an appropriate level of provision by 31 January 2019.

                          (The Panel was addressed by Glenn Batchelar in objection).