The 300+ affordable homes Reading Council plans to build in the next four years

The council approved an extra £1.4 million spend on building affordable homes at Tuesday evening’s (July 6) Housing, Neighbourhoods and Leisure committee.

Councillor Ellie Emberson, lead member for Housing, said: “We have a huge council stock and we continue to grow it and it has a really meaningful impact for people who are struggling.

“This goes a long way in making sure we can reduce the housing waiting list, which is currently around 4,000.”

Fourteen developments make up the plans for 307 homes, with the largest at the former Central Pool on Battle Street, where the council is proposing to build around 94 homes as part of plans to overhaul adult social care.

READ MORE: Plan for 100+ homes at former Central Pool and care home

PICTURED: The now demolished Central Pool

There are 36 sheltered housing flats are planned on Hexham Road as part of the same plans.

Other major developments include the creation of 46 homes at Wensley Road, 40 modular temporary pod homes for rough sleepers next to Cattle Market Car Park and 37 homes as a surrogate to a major development.

The 40 modular homes are already being delivered while another development, 21 new flats at the former Norcot Community Centre on Lyndhurst Road, is set to be complete this winter.

Another scheme of interest is the redevelopment of Arthur Hill, which is becoming 15 key worker flats, with works already underway to transform the beloved former swimming pool.

PICTURED: Arthur Hill

Councillor Meri O’Connell said: “It’s marvellous these homes are going up.

“My only tiny worry is that, as we very sensibly and carefully use up these spaces, where do we go for the rest of the people on the waiting list.”

And Green councillor Josh Williams said there is a housing crisis in Reading and the plans are “not massive when compared with the scale of the problem” but added “every single home can change a family’s life”.

Responding, Cllr Emberson: “I agree there is a housing crisis and it’s not just in Reading, it’s nationally, and we are doing what we can.

“In terms of where we go, that’s a really difficult question. We have to be really mindful of the lack of land.

“We have to be pragmatic in our approach and we have done through the local plan in ensuring that affordable housing is provided at planning level in terms of new developments.

“We have to go further and look at shaping the town and I think that is a conversation for the whole council.”