PLANS to replace the former headquarters of the fire service in Reading with housing were approved this week.
Following the submissions of plans to demolish the fire service buildings and replace them with 54 homes by Bellway Homes on Tuesday, May 31, the application was approved at the council’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday, May 31.
Dee Road Fire Station was closed two years ago, with the crew relocated to Theale Fire Station in September 2021– it also served as the headquarters of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service before it moved to Newsham Court in Calcot in October 2014.
The site was bought by developer Bellway Homes on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, which initially applied to build 63 homes in its redevelopment plan.
However, the scheme has been reduced to provide 54 homes instead.
Of those, the developers are proposing to build 13 one-bed, seven two-bed and three three-bed flats, and 23 three-bedroom and eight four-bedroom houses.
Of the 54 homes, 30 per cent will be affordable, which would be made up of four one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats and six of the three-bedroom homes.
It was judged that the development would meet the town’s housing needs, particularly regarding affordable housing and the larger three and four bedroom homes proposed.
Concern has been raised over parking and the impact of the development on neighbours.
Approved plans will see that 62 car parking spaces would be provided, with 31 being allocated to the houses and 25 allocated to the 23 flats proposed.
Officer Humphreys recommended approval subject to a section 106 legal agreement which would involve a £70,000 contribution to form a controlled pedestrian crossing at neighbouring Spey Road.
Cllr James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) said: “I think we can probably all agree that leaving a big derelict land of brownfield site is not want any of us want.
“We obviously want to see sites like this developed into something. I think the need for housing is in great need, especially in West Reading.
“I’m especially pleased to see West Reading and the Dee Park estate over time getting progressively improved with more and more developments and interesting things happening.
“I love the affordable housing contribution and the provision of affordable housing and the air source heat pumps. There’s a lot to like about this application.”
You can view the application using reference number 221130 in the council’s planning portal.
