Plans are moving forward to convert a prominent office block in Reading town centre into 31 flats.
The former offices are positioned along one of the busiest roads in the town.
Elsewhere, progress is being made on a council project for 30 homes, planning issues for a new block at the hospital have been smoothed out, and in the town centre, an Italian restaurant chain has applied to freshen up its look.
You can view each application featured by typing the reference in brackets into Reading Borough Council’s planning portal.
Details for conversion of offices into 31 flats (PL/25/0725)
The 40rty Caversham Road office building is set to be converted into 31 flats.
The building occupies a prominent position on the IDR, with the conversion project involving internal and external modifications.
The applicant has recently won approval of the details for the mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems that will be used once ’40rty’ is converted.
Once complete, it will provide 17 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom apartments.
Council plan for affordable homes in Southcote moving ahead (PL/24/1267, PL/24/1439 and PL/24/1316)
A council project for 30 affordable homes on the outskirts of the town in Southcote is moving ahead.
The project involves building 15 one-bedroom flats, a five-bedroom home, six four-bedroom homes and eight three-bedroom houses for affordable rent at the site of the former Alice Burrows care home in Dwyer Road.
It is situated off Burghfield Road, a short distance from the Berkshire countryside.
Francis Construction, the contractor for the development, has had plans for hard and soft landscaping, its habitat enhancement scheme, and arboricultural method statement approved.
Issues with new urology block at hospital smoothed out (PL/24/1574)
Planning issues with the new urology block at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Craven Road.
The block has been opened in July, with health secretary West Streeting taking a tour of it in May.
However, the block was installed with variations to approved plans, with its footprint increased by 174m2, resulting in a loss of parking spaces and different materials being used.
But ultimately, the changes were deemed acceptable and approved by the council’s planning department.
Fresh look for Italian restaurant (PL/25/1065)
The Prezzo at The George building in the town centre will be getting a new look as part of a nationwide refresh.
Restaurants are receiving a makeover with new furniture, lighting, and decor, aiming for a brighter, more contemporary feel.
The company has therefore applied for new signage for its restaurant in Reading.
The plan was validated on July 29, but no designs were viewable at the time of writing. The new signage will contain azure blue branding and white lettering similar to its new Kensington restaurant.
