A new workshop for a car company in Reading could still be built even after it was rejected over parking fears and the proposed building being ‘visually dominant’.
John Kleis Audio wants to replace workshops and garages at its site Katesgrove with a new facility.
It would demolish two single-storey workshops and garages and construct a new two-storey site that would provide the business with a dedicated place to conduct audio installation and car works.
It argued the current premises are too small, not fit for purpose and are fragmented, requiring staff to move between existing buildings.
Reading Borough Council’s planning department rejected it, and five neighbours objected to the plan, complaining about excessive parking and more noise coming from the workshop.
One said: “I visit my sister on a weekly basis, and I am not happy that the customers and staff park over the pavement and I have to go in the out on to the road to get to my sister’s house which is a couple of doors away from them. I am disabled and it is quite difficult for me.”
Another said: “Every time I go to see family there is constant noise from car alarms and loud music playing, I have been to see them in the evening and there are members of staff still working at 9pm at night.
“I believe this will cause more problems with noise and I have to walk in the road with my child as they have customers parking on public footpaths.”
A council planning officer said the new workshop building would be ‘visually dominant’ and result in harm to the appearance of the street scene and neighbouring properties.
John Kleis Audio has appealed the decision to the government’s planning inspectorate.
Its planning agent Jeremy Butterworth said the development would not lead to an increase in parking, with the workshop containing space for eight vehicles with 13 external parking spaces.
Mr Butterworth also said no objections were raised to the submitted noise assessment and layout of the building, with the only issue being the 6.2 metre proposed height, which would be smaller than the nearby Screwfix and ETEL Automotive Academy buildings.
Eleven people supported the plan, arguing the workshop would provide better service to customers if approved.
John Kleis Audio currently conducts activities from the off-street garages and workshops and an on-street end-of-terrace office at 248 Basingstoke Road, which will be retained if the project goes ahead.
The application can be seen by searching on reference 230169 on Reading Borough Council’s planning website, and reference APP/E0345/W/23/3328372 on the planning inspectorate website.
