“Bog standard” plans to build a five-storey hotel in Richfield Avenue have been thrown out by the council.

Developer RBH Hospitality Management applied to the council to build a 132-bed hotel in the car park of the Crowne Plaza near Caversham Bridge and the Rivermead Leisure Centre.

Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) Planning Applications committee refused the plan, with councillor saying “this is not the place” for a hotel and slamming the design.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for Planning, called the hotel design “horrendous” and said the plan could have “quite severe” impact on parking in the area.

He added: “With new buildings we have every right to expect the highest standards.

“This is a bog standard, cheap and cheerful hotel in an extremely sensitive location. That speaks volumes of the developer’s approach.”

The planning lead also sent a message to the developer. “Get real. If you are looking to pursue a proposal for a new hotel in Reading, back off.

“There are plenty of other sites in Reading.”

The area already has several hotels, including the Crowne Plaza and a Premier Inn.

Caversham Court Gardens, a grade II-listed park and garden, is north of the site and part of the St Peter’s Conservation area.

More than 50 people and organisations objected to the plans, raising concerns were raised over its impact on a nearby conservation area among other issues.

Councillor Karen Rowland, lead member for Heritage, added: “This is not the site, and this is really not the design.

“It is not anything we would want on or near a river and with the conservation area across the way and the lovely Caversham Court Gardens having to stare at a bunker like this.

“You actually have to be careful when you refuse something on design but this…”

The committee unanimously rejected the plan last night (Wednesday, December 11).

Councillor Emmett McKenna concluded: “I’ve seen better designed warehouses.”