This week’s planning roundup of approved and rejected proposals in Reading includes the approval of 49 flats near the Madejski Stadium, three flats in the town centre above a new restaurant and opposition to plans for six houses just outside Reading Borough.
49 flats approved
Offices in south Reading, near the Madejski Stadium, will be converted into 49 flats after plans were approved this week.
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Plans were submitted to Reading Borough Council (RBC) by Ultima Properties Ltd to transform two office buildings at Bennet Court, Bennet Road into apartments.
Bennet Court is two detached office buildings, and an application was submitted for each of the buildings.
Plot one will become 27 flats plot two will become 22 flats. The plans also include 76 car parking spaces and 25 cycle spaces for residents.
Permitted development laws mean offices can be converted into housing without the need for planning permission if they meet certain prior approval criteria.
RBC assessed the plans and agreed the proposals meet the criteria.
The new Green Park Station, due to open sometime this year, will be around 25 minutes walk from the offices.
Opposition to plan for six houses
In other planning news, RBC has opposed plans to demolish workshops and build six houses in their place at The Piggery Gravel Hill, just over the border in south Oxfordshire near Caversham and Emmer Green.
The council says the proposed development is unlikely to be sustainable due to the site’s relatively remote location, which is poorly served by public transport links and pedestrian/cycle routes.
They also said the proposal would generate additional traffic on Gravel Hill, which has substandard carriageway width to accommodate two-way traffic and for vehicles to pass a cyclist.
This would result in an increased risk of accidents to road users, the council said.
Flats above Wendy’s
Wendy's
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More flats will be coming to the town centre, with plans approved for second and third floor rear extensions at 1 Station Road, above the new Wendy’s restaurant, allowing for three new flats to be built at the former offices.
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