Agenda item

Proposal:  A hybrid application to comprise: Part A - A full application for the change in use of 25.6 ha of land at Alderbourne Farm to a nature reserve. Part B - Outline application - with all matters reserved (except for principal points of access) for land at Alderbourne Farm to comprise backlots and up to 35,000 sqft (3,252 sqm) of associated film production buildings (workshops) together with access roads and parking; Part C - Outline application for 32.6 ha of land at Pinewood South with all matters reserved (except for three principal points of access) to comprise up to 1,365,000sqft (126,817sqm) of film production buildings (to include sound stages, workshops, offices and ancillary uses), education and business hubs with associated ancillary structures together with backlot, multi storey car parks, accesses and green and blue infrastructure.

A site visit was carried out on 14 February 2023.

Rachel Marber, Principal Planning Officer, advised that further emails had been received related to the application; from Councillor Hollis regarding otter presence along the Alderbourne River and potential river widening and from Councillor Bass regarding backlot noise restriction via condition which would be read out during public speaking.  Two neighbour correspondences related to the Iver traffic calming contribution and an objection related to green belt, landscape harm and the character and appearance of the proposed development.  R Marber also mentioned the committee update which had been published and provided to the Committee Members.

Speaking as local ward member, Councillor Luisa Sullivan.

Speaking as local ward member, Councillor Wendy Matthews.

Speaking as local ward member, Councillor Paul Griffin.

A statement was read out by Sally Taylor, Senior Democratic Services Officer, on behalf of local ward member, Councillor Paul Bass.

Speaking as a local MP, Joy Morrissey MP.

Speaking as a representative of Iver Parish Council, Councillor Julie Cook.

Speaking as a representative of Fulmer Parish Council, Councillor David Brackin.

Speaking as objectors, Christine Owen and Carl Gasser.

Speaking as the applicant, Andrew Smith.

It was proposed by Councillor Neil Marshall and seconded by Councillor Ashley Bond and agreed at a vote.

Resolved:  that the hybrid application is delegated to the Director of Planning and Environment for approval subject to: referral to the Secretary of State to consider whether to call-in the planning application on Green Belt grounds; and, publicity of proposals affecting the setting of listed buildings, provided no new substantive planning reasons for refusal arise following completion of the consultation period, and the completion of a satisfactory agreement under s106 of the Town and Country Planning Act (as amended) in relation to the Planning Obligations broadly in accordance with the details set out in the main body of the report; or, if a satisfactory S106 Agreement cannot be completed, for the application to be refused for such reasons as the Director of Planning and Environment considers appropriate.

Subject to Condition 40 being amended to read:

No part of the development shall be first used until a scheme for the improvement of Five Points Roundabout pursuant to applicant reference PL/21/4074/FA (if approved), or any similar scheme approved by the council has been completed and is open to traffic.

And subject to part i of Condition 41 being amended to read:

To submit, at the same time as the first reserved matters application, a Seven Hills Road improvement scheme trigger point transport assessment for approval in writing by the Local Planning Authority.   This transport assessment shall identify the quantum of floorspace at which the Seven Hills Road improvement scheme shall be completed and open to traffic. The Seven Hills Road scheme is as approved under application reference PL/19/4430/FA or any subsequent permission.

Part ii will remain the same.

And subject to the following informatives being included:

1.                  Condition 42 Seven Hills Road Trigger Point

It is expected that no more than 20,000 square metres will have been occupied before the trigger point for implementation of the Seven Hills Road Improvement scheme has been reached.

2.                  Backlot hours of operation

The backlot hours of operation for filming and set construction shall adhere to the following guide:

·       Filming Hours – 0700 to 2000 (Mon – Sat, Winter), 0700 to 2100 (Mon – Sat, Summer)

·       Set Construction – 0730 to 1900 (Mon – Sat), 0800 to 1300 (Sunday)

3.                  Alderbourne River

The Alderbourne River is a ‘chalk stream’ and, as such, any works within proximity of the river requires special care and consideration.

Note 1: A comfort break was taken between 4.30-4.38 pm.

Note 2: An adjournment was taken between 5.15-5.38 pm.