MEMBERS of the public are being invited to voice their opinions as an intergovernmental organisation based in Wokingham borough looks to move its headquarters.
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, which is currently located at Shinfield Park, has submitted a planning application to move onto the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus. A consultation period runs from October 9-30.
In its planning statement, the organisation said that its current site does not provide an adequate solution for its long-term needs. It cited the site’s “ageing structure, costs involved and ensuing disruption to the Centre’s mission” as key reasons behind the move.
The plan is to move its headquarters to the University’s grounds, next to its Meteorological Building, where Reading’s School of Art is currently positioned. The plan would see the single-storey building demolished to allow for the proposals.
Suggested plans for the buildings outline a ‘two-wing’ structure, both of which would be four storeys high.
The ECMWF produces and disseminates numerical weather predictions to its 34 member and co-operating states.
To submit a comment, visit: planning.wokingham.gov.uk using Planning Application Number: 232475
