Plans to rebuild a block of flats where two people were murdered in a fire have been submitted to Reading Borough Council.
Arsonist Hakeem Kigundu rendered the building in Rowe Court “unsalvageable,” according to the planning proposals, leading to its demolition.
Long Term Reversions (Torquay) Limited want to reinstate 16 studios and eight, one bedroom appartments.
The proposals include “appropriate fire safety measures, including compartmentation” and a non-combustible façade.
The company has designed the new building to be shorter than the previous one.
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“The resultant development delivers a modern building that accommodates all of above benefits whilst responding to local architectural style and character,” wrote architects Wimshurst Pelleriti in the Design and Access Statement.
Kigundu, a former resident at Rowe Court, is serving a whole-life jail term for two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.
He bought 50 litres of petrol and poured it on the ground floor of Rowe Court before igniting the fire on December 15, 2021.
Rowe Court is located in a residential cul-de-sac near Oxford Road, comprised of apartment buildings and semi-detached homes constructed in the late 80’s.
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The type of buildings being reinstated must be the same unit type to fall in line with insurance policies.
No changes to the level of on-site parking have been proposed, but two garages lost in the fire will be replaced.
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