Controversial plans to expand the site of a school in Caversham could be approved next week.

Plans at Queen Anne’s School have attracted a lot of controversy, with more than 60 residents writing to the council to object, but the school has since submitted amended plans.

The school wants to build a new artificial pitch, sprint track and long jump pit, with fencing and floodlights.

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It also wants to construct an indoor tennis building, a pavilion and changing rooms and add floodlights to its outdoor tennis courts.

If the plans are approved, the facilities will be available to the public on evenings and weekends, and any profit – expected to be “relatively modest” – will be reinvested into maintenance.

The private school already offers its current facilities the general public for the following community benefits:

  • Reading Symphony Orchestra and Berkshire Maestros in the school hall and music rooms
  • Henley Swimming Club and Reading Octopush Club
  • Ju-jitsu, badminton, 5-a-side football, basketball, yoga and gym

The school has made amendments to the plan to address concerns from residents, including:

  • Tennis courts will only be used by school pupils and no weekend use of floodlights on the tennis courts
  • Two courts closest to the badger setts will not be lit
  • Redesign of floodlighting to reduce light spillage within the site
  • Changes to parking arrangements

The school has also confirmed no parking will happen on roads as a result of the development and they have removed the use of Grosvenor Road, which was one of main objections of residents.

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Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) Planning Applications committee will vote on the plan at next Wednesday’s (January 13) meeting.

Officers have recommended the proposal be approved.

While the development would lead to the loss of some existing trees and replacement of a natural grass pitched with artificial turf, officers said it would also upgrade an existing educational facility and secure further community use.

And they said the improved tennis facilities, including floodlights, would allow for all year-round tennis and public use on evenings and have physical and mental health benefits.