Changes made to 130 flats plan at Reading landmark

The Reading gas tower just north of the River Kennet was brought down in 2022.

Now, developers have made changes to a project to build apartments where it once stood.

Elsewhere, a French bakery is gearing up to open in the town centre, and work is steaming ahead at the huge Emmer Green Drive development.

You can view each application by typing the reference in brackets into the council’s planning portal.

Changes to flats that replace gas tower (240303)

A CGI of the view of what the 130 flats will look like that will replace the demolished gas tower in East Reading. Credit: Boyer

The developer Danescroft has had to make changes to its plan to build 130 flats in the place of the Gas Tower north of the Kennet.

Danescroft has approval to build three blocks containing 82 apartments, 38 apartments and 10 apartments.

READ MORE: Changes made to 209 flats project at Reading riverside to comply with fire safety rules 

However, it has had to add a second stair core to the tallest proposed tower to comply with government fire safety regulations. That has led to a change in the mix of units provided.

Other changes involve fire safety measures and the energy strategy for the whole development.

French bakery getting ready to open (240449)

The upcoming Paul bakery at 70 Broad Street, Reading town centre. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

French bakery and cafe chain Paul is getting ready to open soon in the town centre.

Paul, a chain selling baked goods, pastries, drinks and more is gearing up to open at 70 Broad Street.

Chain franchisees have applied for advertising consent for branding and an awning for the bakery.

Paul replaces the Boots Opticians which closed in 2020.

Signs plan as Golf Course development nears completion (240447)

The entrance to the Reading Golf Course development, which will be called Emmer Green Drive. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The development for 223 homes at the former Reading Golf Course site, called Emmer Green Drive, is nearing completion.

Now the housebuilding consortium which is building the homes has applied to establish signs across the site ready for it to be opened.

The housing association Abri signage for the homes it will be providing in the 223 home Emmer Green Drive development at the Reading Golf Course site. Credit: Vistry Thames Valley / Abri / Homes England

Sign designs for the housing available and advertising for show homes has been applied for.

For example, the housing association Abri will be providing one to four-bedroom homes in the development, and opening The Primrose, a four-bedroom show home for viewings.

New entrance for conversion of mental health clinic into homes (231808)

The plan for the new entrance at Winterbourne House, 53-55 Argyle Street in Reading. Credit: Rammurti Design

The developer who is converting a former mental health clinic into homes has applied to build a new entrance for future occupants.

A project to convert Winterbourne House at 53-55 Argyle Street into 10 apartments was approved in 2020.

Progress has been made on the conversion, but the developer now wants to replace approved entrances to the rear with a single covered entrance.