Matt Pearce, owner of a property in Friar Street opposite Friars Walk, threatened to take out an injunction against Sackville Developments amid claims that the new building would overshadow his right to light.

Despite ongoing discussions, the 40-year-old stuck to his guns and has forced Sackville to revise their plans.

Mr Pearce’s objections came after he was made aware of the height of one of the residential buildings in the outline planning permission, which was granted by Reading Borough Council last December.

In an open letter sent to the developers, he wrote: “I am writing to inform the community that I am in the process of applying for an injunction against the Station Hill development because the development is very likely to be infringing my property’s legally protected right of light.

“The development will have to be put on hold until the matter is decided by

a court. It may mean the

development is substantially altered.”

Although full planning permission has not yet been sought Sackville have stated they are willing to look at their plans to address Mr Pearce’s fears.

A spokesman for the company said: “Sackville Developments (SDRL)’s preference would have been to reach a mutually acceptable settlement with Mr Pearce but this has not proved to be possible. Therefore, SDRL has informed Mr Pearce that it will bring forward detailed development proposals which respect and reflect his rights to light.

“SDRL is thus unclear as to any grounds that Mr Pearce may have for complaint let alone a threat of injunction and SDRL has acted openly and responsibly throughout the process.

“SDRL continues to devote significant time and money to bringing forward the development of the site as quickly as possible following the grant of planning permission in December 2014.”

Demolition work at Station Hill has already begun but building work on the site is not expected to begin in earnest for around 18 months.