THE NEGLECTED Meadway Precinct will finally receive significant investment after plans were approved at a council planning meeting on Wednesday.

Proposals to update the Tilehurst shopping hub have been in the pipeline since 2009, but the project has met a series of pitfalls since being put before the council.

Redevelopment of the precinct will involve the erection of new commercial units and the modernisation of existing facilities.

Councillor Jo Lovelock, leader of the council, welcomed the application, but she was critical of the potential traffic issues for Honey End Lane, as well as the lack of attention being given to people living in the flats above existing shops.

She said: "I think we all share the aspiration to see the precinct revitalised, it's in a sorry state at the moment. Businesses are keen to see something happen here because it is having an impact on viability and footfall.

"However, delivery management is a big problem. The number of large vehicles going in both directions will make it quite difficult down the access road. Traffic is all the way down to the junction and it is already a very busy road.

"We are disappointed at the lack of investment to the block of flats. This would have been the ideal time to upgrade them. It would be reasonable to provide double glazing for residents who are concerned about the noise during construction."

The project was delayed last month to allow the council to carry out a site visit, where they identified several areas in need of improvement.

Renovations to the flats have been put forward as part of the proposal, including the installation of new lifts and CCTV cameras.

New public toilets will be installed and there will also be a contribution of £100,000 towards cycling improvement measures.

Councillor Tony Page, deputy leader of the council, added: "I welcome the new investment that is going to go into this very tired centre. We are committed to improving the viability of the centre and clearly any investment is welcome.

"There are a number of units still to be occupied. It is reassuring to hear that Boots has committed itself until 2029, but we must work hard to ensure it is sustainable in the long term."