More than 50 flats will be built next to a pub in the town centre.

Developer Archel Homes will demolish an office and warehouse at 115 Chatham Street and build a new three-to-five storey building with 54 apartments.

The site – is next to the Grade II listed The Butler pub and Face Bar.

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Councillor Tony Page, lead member for planning, said the development “starts a regeneration of a wider area”.

Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) planning applications committee approved the plans last night (Wednesday, July 21).

Officers said the developer will have responsibility for ensuring adequate measures are put in place to manage noise coming from nearby pub The Butler and Face Bar.

Cllr Page said it is right that live music and cultural events at The Butler pub are protected and said people who decide live there will be aware they are next to the venue, which he described as “well-run”.

But he said Face Bar is different, as it has caused consistent complaints for 20 years.

Reading Chronicle: PICTURED: Face BarPICTURED: Face Bar

The top floor of the venue is currently closed because of noise failures and he said the venue was never meant to be a nightclub when it started out as a social club.

Officers say there will be a “decent” level of sound insulation for residents against activities at the Butler Pub and residents and pub “should not tread on each other’s toes”. 

There are two buildings on the site, a two-storey office building at the front of 115 Chatham Street and a two-storey converted warehouse building at the back, which will be demolished and turned into flats.

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The flats will be split into:

  • 25 one-bed flats (six affordable)
  • 25 two-bed flats (eight affordable)
  • Two three-bed flats (both affordable)

There will be 17 car parking spaces and 32 cycle spaces.