New workshop for Reading car company could still be built

The business John Kleis Audio is seeking to replace workshops and garages at its site Katesgrove with a new dedicated facility.

John Kleis wants to demolish two single-storey workshops and garages and construct a new two-storey workshop that would provide the business with a dedicated place to conduct audio installation and car works.

It was argued that the current premises are too small, not fit for purpose and are fragmented, requiring staff to move between existing buildings.

However, the project hit a snag when Reading Borough Council’s planning department rejected it.

READ MORE: New facility for Reading car company torpedoed

Five neighbours objected to the plan, complaining about excessive parking and more noise coming from the workshop.

A neighbour called Clark Greenway said: “I visit my sister on a weekly basis and I am not happy that the customers and staff park over the pavement and I have to go in the out on to the road to get to my sister’s house which is a couple of doors away from them.

“I am disabled and it is quite difficult for me.”

Fellow family member Raymond Greenway had similar complaints.

He said: “Everytime I go to see family there is constant noise from car alarms and loud music playing I have been to see them in the evening and there are members of staff still working at 9pm at night.

“I believe this will cause more problems with noise and I have to walk in the road with my child as they have customers parking on public footpaths.”

Meanwhile, planning officer Marcie Rejwerska argued the new workshop building would be ‘visually dominant’ and result in harm to the appearance of the street scene and neighbouring properties.

A 3D visual of the planned new John Kleis Audio workshop at 248 Basingstoke Road, Reading. Credit: Cohanim

Yet the project could still go ahead as John Kleis Audio has appealed against the decision to the government’s planning inspectorate.

Justifying the appeal, the business’ planning agent Jeremy Butterworth argued that the development would not lead to a feared increase in parking, with the workshop containing space for eight vehicles with 13 external parking spaces.

Mr Butterworth also pointed out that no objections were raised to the submitted noise assessment and layout of the building, with the only issue being the 6.2 metre proposed height, which would be smaller than the nearby Screwfix and ETEL Automotive Academy buildings.

Furthermore, 11 people supported the plan, arguing the workshop would provide better service to customers if approved.

You can view the application by typing reference 230169 into the council’s planning portal, and reference APP/E0345/W/23/3328372 on the planning inspectorate website.

John Kleis Audio currently conducts activities from the off-street garages and workshops and an on-street end-of-terrace office at 248 Basingstoke Road, which will be retained if the project goes ahead.