A SKYSCRAPER may soon tower above Reading's skyline as controversial plans are set to be approved by the council.

The former BMW car dealership in Napier Road could be transformed into a 23-storey luxury apartment building complete with cinema room, tech-hub, residents lounges and concierge service.

The site, currently being used as a temporary car park, could be transformed into one of Reading's tallest buildings, even overshadowing The Blade from a certain vantage point.

Previously, the applicant, Lochailort Reading, applied to build 'Swan Heights', three towering skyscrapers of 28, 29, and 24-storeys, but was refused in 2015.

The new proposal could see one tower rise approximately 110 metres above the Reading skyline, eclipsing The Blade when viewed from Balmore Park.

The application states: “The Swan Heights proposal caused overbearing and overshadowing to this space and this impact formed park of reason for refusal.

“The current application has a much more pleasing relationship with the park and the relative heights allow for much more harmonious integration with the townscape.

“From Balmore Park the tower completely obscures The Blade, which is unfortunate, because The Blade should be able to be recognised as the primary building in the Eastern (tall-building) grouping.”

More follows.