Finalised plans for 46 affordable council houses, previously dubbed  “planning vandalism” by neighbours, have now been revealed for Reading.

A petition has been signed by more than 600 residents who are opposed to any new properties being built on the Coley Estate and have requested the council find a more suitable location.

But Reading Borough Council (RBC) is pressing forward with the Homes England-funded plans, as they say no other scheme can now meet the timetable for funding.

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Cllr John Ennis, lead councillor for Housing, said: “The plans for Wensley Road aim to provide desperately-needed affordable council homes to local families and improve the surrounding area for all residents.

“The regeneration scheme will deliver high quality homes in a sustainable development with efficient energy systems which will keep bills down for families.

“The council has carried out public consultation events throughout the design process and incorporated residents’ views as part of the final plans.

“There will be a further chance to comment as part of the planning process.”

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Twenty-nine garages will be demolished as part of the plans, which include:

  • 26 three-bed houses
  • 10 two-bed flats
  • Eight one-bed flats
  • Two four-bed houses
  • Play areas and an outdoor gym

Neighbours have hit out at the plans, saying the area is already over-populated.

Concerns have been raised over the impact on parking, loss of green space and whether the area can cope with more pressure on services.

 

“It will regenerate the area”: The proposal

Previously advertised as 45 new homes, the council has now upped this 46.

RBC say the plans will regenerate the area and provide homes which meet high sustainability standards.

The proposal includes two play areas, a seating area, an outdoor gym and a shared surface square.

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Parking in the area will increase to 230 spaces and bin areas will be upgraded.

Bins have been a big issue in the area, with neighbours at Riversley Court, another of the tower blocks, plagued by “rats the size of cats”.

The council said there are still rats present around the Coley flats although there has been a reduction since last summer. It pledged to continue to tackle the remaining rat activity.

“Planning vandalism”: Response to the consultation

The scheme has been designed following months of consultation with the community.

RBC and architects HTA have held three public events on the Wensley Road site to consult on the proposed development.

The council says feedback showed:

  • The central play area on the site is very important to the community
  • Parking was a key concern
  • Clear enthusiasm for new family-sized homes to help tackle overcrowding

But hundreds have objected to any new development at the site.

Nick Fudge, a Conservative candidate at last May’s RBC local elections, said 80per cent of people on the Coley estate object to any housing development.

Paul Krykant, who lives in Wensley Road, called early-stage proposals “planning vandalism” and said the area was not suitable for development because of “the rat infestation and sewer problems”

What happens next?

The application will be considered at a future meeting of the Planning Applications Committee.

Comments can be made on the council’s planning portal here (application no. 200122).