A huge plan to build homes at Caversham Park and open the land up to the public has been submitted.
Caversham Park was once the home of the BBC Monitoring Service, but the corporation fully vacated in 2018.
The site has a long history dating back to the Norman Conquest, with the iconic mansion constructed in 1850.
Now, Beechcroft Developments Ltd has submitted a plan to convert the mansion into retirement homes and build more homes on the site.
READ MORE: Plan to build 223 homes on Caversham golf course approved despite thousands of objections
The mansion would be converted from office use into 64 assisted living homes for those aged 55 and over, a new 64 bedroom care home, 61 age-restricted retirement homes, and 33 general market homes, of which 28 would be affordable.
New buildings will be built on brownfield land which currently has satellite dishes and buildings on it, which would be demolished to make way for homes.
Crucially, it would open up park land which has been closed off up to the public.
While Beechcroft would own the land itself, people would be able to walk around the park during the day, with access to the park closed off at night to protect residents.
Only 7.5 per cent of the site would be built on if the plan goes ahead.
Adaptations have been made to the plan following consultation with neighbours, which has included the addition of a perimeter walk around the park, providing a third croquet lawn, retention of trees and removing a second access onto Peppard Road.
Beechcroft managing director Chris Thompson said: “More than 69 per cent of those submitting a feedback form at the public consultation expressed support.
“We have listened to the public’s views and have amended our original proposals as a result.
“Caversham Park is mainly registered parkland, and we respect this special designation.
“So, whilst the area within the red line is 93 acres, the built area will extend to just seven acres, or just 7.5 per cent of the whole site.
“Significantly for the local community, this scheme will mean that for the first time in generations, access to the parkland will be available.
“Beechcroft sees itself as the custodian of one of the most architecturally attractive buildings within Reading and the glorious parkland.
READ MORE: Mapledurham Playing Fields future ahead as school and pavilion opens
“This is one of the most exciting planning proposals seen in the borough for many years as it addresses some of the real issues facing Reading.
“There is a severe shortage of older persons’ housing, affordable housing, and publicly accessible open space.”
Because the Caversham Park mansion is a Grade II listed building, the application is divided into two references in the planning portal:
- Reference 220409 relates to the plan as a whole
- Reference 220410 relates to works to the mansion
You can view the plans yourself by typing the references into the Reading planning portal here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here