New retirement homes have been approved in Caversham despite misgivings from neighbours and fears that the area is being dominated by homes for the elderly.
Councillors recently discussed a plan to build two large new buildings containing 55 retirement apartments reserved for those aged 55 and above.
The plan involves the demolition of a number of homes to make way for the new blocks in Henley Road, with the development being built right next to the Signature Care Home.
The development was discussed at a meeting of the council’s planning applications committee after members previously delayed a decision on the plan for more information.
Cllr Clarence Mitchell (Conservative, Emmer Green) called for committee members to ‘err on the side of caution’ by refusing the plan.
He said: “This proposal is not only overbearing, overlooking and intrusive for its neighbours due to its block design it will bring about an unacceptable overall loss of environmental benefit.”
Cllr Mitchell also pointed out that none of the retirement apartments are designated affordable.
Committee member Cllr Simon Robinson (Conservative, Emmer Green) agreed that the development would not be in a suitable location, expressing fears that Henley Road could become ‘the Eastbourne of Reading’ due to the density of retirement housing there.
A council officer replied by pointing out the 55 apartments would be for retirees, and would not be operated as a care home like the Signature care facility next door.
Other committee members agreed that on balance the project should be approved.
Cllr Richard Davies (Labour, Thames) said: “Those people will have the opportunity to live in Reading in specialist accommodation for over 55, for retirement people, potentially freeing up their homes, potentially displacing development which could be more harmful and building on gardens.
“This is not greenfield, these are gardens that’s inaccessible to anyone other than the owner of the garden.
“We’ve got to remember that overall the benefit of providing this additional housing in a more dense form on what is actually brownfield has got to be weighed up, and weighs for me very heavily on allowing this.”
The committee initially had concerns over flooding and how the project would fit into its surroundings when it was first discussed on Wednesday, May 31.
However, Cllr Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey) said that she was satisfied by the answers the developers Henley Road Ltd provided.
In a vote, nine Labour councillors and two Green councillors voted to approve, with councillors Robinson and Stephen Goss (Conservative, Emmer Green) voting against it.
The approved application can be found by searching for reference 220189 on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.
