ONE of Reading’s MPs says more family homes are needed in the town.
Matt Rodda made the comment after visiting a public exhibition for plans to replace offices on Napier Road with 570 apartments.
The tower blocks would be 11 storeys tall and be close to the Biscuit Factory development currently under construction.
The existing site, Napier Court, comprises three two-storey buildings and backs on the railway line. It is also minutes away from the Tesco Extra store and Kings Meadow.
At the exhibition, Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates showcased images showing five interconnected apartment blocks, which would feature a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom flats.
It would also include a communal lounge, a gym, and a workspace. A small retail unit would be incorporated into the ground floor. There would be 56 car and eight motorbike spaces.
A spokesperson for planning agents at Carney Sweeney said: “The design approach has been carefully considered to create a sustainable development that will enhance the surrounding area and maximise the potential of this highly accessible site.”
Napier Court was allocated for redevelopment in the Reading Local Plan 2019, with an ‘indicative capacity’ of 210-310 homes, well below the 570 being proposed.
Mr Rodda echoed Reading Borough Council’s call for more family homes of three beds or more to be built.
He said: “I would like to see more family houses built in Reading as we already have a large number of flats, and I am also concerned about noise from the railway affecting these flats.
“I am pleased the developer is proposing to clad the flats with brick, using red and grey brick to echo the brickwork used in many Victorian streets.
“I also am pleased to hear that they are proposing a significant number of affordable flats, and they are considering paying for a play area in the park improve walking and cycling nearby.
“I would ask residents who have concerns to contact me at mattroddampcasework@parliament.uk .”
