APPROVAL has been granted to convert a six-storey Reading town centre office block into more than 100 flats.
Tene Living, the owners of the Soane Point building at 6-8 Market Place had applied to convert the space, but it was initially rejected by Reading Borough Council’s planning department. They had concerns that noise from fans would disturb future residents. They also highlighted a potential contamination risk coming from fumes from a nearby car park.
Tene Living won their appeal to the planning inspectorate, with approval for 144 studio apartments granted by planning inspector Rachael Pipkin on Wednesday, May 25.
She concluded that Soane Point would be suitable after Tene Living produced an updated contamination risk assessment and gas monitoring report.
Ms Pipkin felt that Tene Living had effectively addressed noise concerns by moving commercial fan equipment away from the proposed new apartments.
The building is currently home to Tesco Express and Puresmile Dental Practice, both of which will be retained as part of the proposal, with significant adjustments made to the other floors.
Conversion of offices into homes fall under permitted development rights, which means developers can undertake the conversions without submitting a full planning application as long as they meet requirements such as having enough space and natural light.
There is also no requirement for permitted development schemes to provide affordable housing.
Internal designs show each room containing a double bed, a cooking and sink unit and a shower and toilet.
There are currently 98 car parking spaces provided on the ground floor and basement of Soane Point, but the plan makes no mention of these being for future occupants.
Peter Lawson, of Turley planning consultants, said in a supporting letter: “The proposed development is targeted at the growing requirement for small self-contained, affordable, conveniently located, residential units, enabling independent living.
“Covid-19 has seen the market demand for such units grow exponentially at the expense of similar sized accommodation with shared, rather than independent, facilities, as there is less risk than that associated with ‘communal’ living.
“Accordingly, the accommodation is suited to young professionals, students or those with long-term health conditions to whom shared accommodation might present a particular risk.”
The scheme can viewed by searching for application number 210478 in the council’s planning website.
