Local News · Reading
Plans to convert vacant Reading office building into 29 flats approved on appeal
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Vacant office space near Reading town centre is set to be transformed into 29 apartments after a successful planning appeal overcame initial flooding concerns.
A vacant office building situated on a prominent route near Reading town centre is set for a major residential conversion after developers won a planning appeal. The Regents Gate building, which was previously used by Spire Healthcare for administrative purposes, will be transformed into 29 one and two-bedroom apartments.
The project had previously faced a setback when Reading Borough Council refused the application in April. Planning officers at the time expressed concerns regarding potential flood risks, noting that residential occupants are more vulnerable than commercial office users. The refusal was further influenced by the lack of a detailed flood risk assessment provided by the developer during the initial application process.
Following the rejection, the building owners took the case to the government's planning inspectorate. During the appeal process, the developers submitted comprehensive flood risk evidence that satisfied the inspector that the site remains at low risk of flooding. This evidence confirmed that the building is positioned at an elevated level relative to the surrounding ground and is physically separated from Crown Street by a significant gap, ensuring no realistic pathway for overland water flow exists even during extreme weather.
In a report presented to the council's planning applications committee, principal planning officer Mark Worringham acknowledged that the appeal was allowed based on the new technical data. While the council accepted the inspector's decision, Mr Worringham noted the frustration of officers that the crucial information was not made available during the original assessment, stating that the initial refusal was justified based on the information held at that time.
The developer has since secured dual approval for the project, with a subsequent application (PL/26/0539) also receiving the green light in June after the flooding concerns were formally addressed. The site, which is passed by thousands of commuters daily, represents a significant shift from commercial usage back into the local housing stock.
Source: Reading Chronicle · View original