THE FORMER home of BBC Radio Berkshire could become a retirement complex.
Instead of broadcasting the sounds of popular presenters such as Sarah Walker, Bill Buckley and Phil Kennedy, the Caversham Park site could be converted into homes.
Beechcroft Developments Ltd has submitted a plan to Reading Borough Council to convert the mansion, which also houses BBC Monitoring until 2018, into 64 assisted living homes for those aged 55 and over, a new 64 bedroom care home, 61 age-restricted retirement homes, and 33 general market homes, of which 28 would be affordable.
And the application includes new buildings on brownfield land that currently houses satellite dishes and existing buildings.
The company also wants the land to become a public park, accessible during the daytime. The grounds were originally designed by Capability Brown back in the 1800s.
According to the proposal, just 7.5% of the site would be built on,
Beechcroft has adpated the plan following consultation with neighbours. This includes the addition of a perimeter walk around the park, a third croquet lawn, retention of trees and removing a secondary access point that leads on to Peppard Road.
Beechcroft managing director Chris Thompson said: “More than 69% of those submitting a feedback form at the public consultation expressed support.
“We have listened to the public’s views and have amended our original proposals as a result.”
He said that Caversham Park is mainly registered parkland, and the company respected this special designation.
“While the area within the red line is 93 acres, the built area will extend to just seven acres, or just 7.5% of the whole site,” he explained.
“Significantly for the local community, this scheme will mean that for the first time in generations, access to the parkland will be available.
“Beechcroft sees itself as the custodian of one of the most architecturally attractive buildings within Reading and the glorious parkland.”
He added: “This is one of the most exciting planning proposals seen in the borough for many years as it addresses some of the real issues facing Reading.
“There is a severe shortage of older persons’ housing, affordable housing, and publicly accessible open space.”
Because the Caversham Park mansion is a Grade II listed building, the application is divided into two references on the council’s planning portal.
Reference 220409 relates to the plan as a whole, and 220410 relates to works to the mansion.
For more details, or to view the plans, log on to: planning.reading.gov.uk
