Reading plan to replace bungalow with new homes refused

The applicants Finerain Developments were hoping to replace 4 Downshire Square with three homes contained in two buildings – two semi detached houses in one building and one detached house, all of which would have four bedrooms.

But Reading Borough Council’s planning committee rejected the plan after neighbours complained about the loss of privacy, access to daylight and the possibility that future occupants would opt to park on the street instead.

It was first discussed at a meeting in June, where the committee decided to conduct a site visit which took place on July 14.

Cllr Jan Gavin (Labour, Caversham) said she had changed her mind about the plan after going on the visit.

She explained: “I think that this is not the right development for this conservation area. Particularly the detached house, which is three storeys, will be quite close to the site boundary.

“It is too squashed on that side. It feels like overdevelopment to me.

“The back gardens will be minute.

“I’m not fighting the principle that there will be development on this land, but I don’t think this development is the right one for this site.”

Speaking on behalf of residents, cllr Liz Terry (Labour, Coley) who is not a member of the committee, said: “It really does feel like an overdevelopment, it feels overbearing, there are real concerns about light issues.”

The site visit involved attending the home of Andrea Lambourn-Moss, who complained in June that her housebound father would lose access to sunlight and the view from his room.

Councillors were particularly concerned that windows in the proposed detached house would adversely impact the privacy of Number 6 Downshire Square, located next door.

The plan for three homes to replace the bungalow at 4 Downshire Square, Coley. Credit: Colony Architects

Cllr Terry added: “They [Number 6] will be affected by it. This is not the right development, it will not work in that area.”

There were also concerns about the car parking on site, with councillors expressing fears future occupants would opt to park in Downshire Way instead.

Cllr Andrew Hornsby-Smith (Labour, Church) said: “It’s a very very narrow form of parking, I don’t think in practice it will work.

“The parking is inadequate in its design.”

Cllr Matt Yeo (Labour, Caversham) also raised the increase of car parking spaces going from two to three to six, arguing the cars would be “squashed” into the plot.

Members were generally in agreement that the bungalow will eventually be replaced, despite Reading Conservation Area Advisory Committee calling for it to be retained due to its unique character and potential to fulfill a need for a in Reading for a compact home with a large garden.

The plan was unanimously rejected by the committee yesterday (July 20) despite planning officer Ethne Humphreys recommending it for approval subject to a legal agreement.