Dear Sirs

Please find below comments from the Council’s Natural Environment Officer regarding the above application to discharge conditions. Please address the issues raised to progress the application.

 

 

 

 

Ralph,

 

Condition 10 (CMS)

I have no objection to this as it does not affect areas proposed for planting.

However, I wonder whether it would be prudent, however, for tall panels of dust prevention mesh to be installed on the boundaries with 153-157 Bath Road and 7 Circuit Lane to protect those properties/their gardens during construction.

 

Condition 13 (hard and soft landscaping)

I will leave you to comment on the proposed hard landscaping.

In relation to the proposed soft landscaping and with reference to Proposed Landscape Plans Sheet 1 of 2 and Sheet 2 of 2, drawings 02-11 P6 and 02-12 P6 respectively, the principles are acceptable, however the following needs to be addressed:

 

-      Rain gardens – further details/specifications are required along with proposed planting and the route to drainage shown.

-      Shrub planting – the numbers or densities are required along with the % mix of each species

-      Mix native hedge - the numbers or densities are required along with the % mix of each species and plant size.  Planting in a double staggered row should be specified along with the minimum height at which it will be ultimately maintained.

-      Tree species – whilst I have no objections to the 3 species proposed, the inclusion of only three species limits potential biodiversity benefits and I have concerns about the use of so many Birch which is a relatively short lived species.  In addition, I note that Birch and Liquidambar have been used on the Bath Road frontage where it would seem more appropriate to include Lime to reflect the Limes across the road in Prospect Park, particularly given the importance of this main route in/out of town.  In addition, the main amenity space would benefit from a mix of native tree species (currently 4 Lime) and I suggest that this should include another tree of an ultimately large size, e.g. Quercus robur, on the east boundary due to the space available.

-      Mammal gaps is fencing – the dimensions of these should be provided

-      Bird boxes – the specification (model/type) need to be provided

-      In the notes:

o   Point 17 – topsoil BS3882 is 2015 not 1991

o   Point 33 Watering – a more detailed specification is required which should include weekly watering during the first 2 growing seasons of 20-25 litres per tree (this is appropriate to the 10-12cm girth tree proposed).

 

Condition 15 (Tree protection/method statement for Circuit Lane)

No information appears to have been submitted to discharge this condition, therefore this is outstanding.

 

Regards,

 

Sarah Hanson  BSc, Dip Arb L4 (ABC), MArborA

Natural Environment Officer

Planning & Building Control

Environment & Neighbourhood Services

Reading Borough Council

Level 1, North

Civic Centre

Bridge Street

Reading

RG1 2LU

0118 937 2440

 

PRO4410

 

http://www.reading.gov.uk/article/10488/Planning-Admin-Charges

 

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