Thames Water offices on Rose Kiln Lane could be converted into 38 or 34 flats, with two different plans submitted.
Stenprop Management has submitted the plans to transform the two-storey Rose Kiln Court administrative offices in south Reading into either 38 or 34 apartments.
The developer is seeking prior approval, legislation introduced in May 2013, which allows developers to convert office buildings to housing without seeking planning permission.
READ MORE: Four-flat plan refused - this week's planning roundup
The 34-flat plan would be a mix of one and two bed apartments, while the 38-flat scheme would be only one-bed apartments.
Each application will be considered by Reading Borough Council (RBC) on its individual merit in terms of whether it fulfils the requirements and conditions of the prior approval process for converting an office building into flats.
Councils cannot claim affordable housing contributions nor charge regular planning fees to developments which proceed through this system, known as ‘prior approval’.
Stenprop has submitted reports to show the plans meet for each of the prior approval tests (flood risk, contamination, noise from commercial premises and transport) which must be met to carry out the office-to-flats conversion.
READ MORE: Planning legislation costs Reading £6 million and hundreds of affordable homes
RBC says prior approval planning legislation lost it more than £6 million in planning fees, Section 106 money for local infrastructure projects and affordable housing between May 2013 and December 2019, as well as around 570 affordable housing flats.
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