A distinctive Victorian villa being afforded protection from potential development is among the latest planning decisions Reading Borough Council has made.
The house in Tilehurst Road has been added to the local list, which states that it should be retained and used in the first instance, rather than being replaced.
Not far away in Goldsmid Road, councillors delayed a decision on converting a house into a home of multiple occupation (HMO).
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These were just two decisions that were made at the most recent Reading Borough Council planning applications committee meeting on December 7.
You can view the applications decided on by typing their references in brackets into the council’s planning portal.
House added to the Local List
A house that dates back to circa 1853 has been added to Reading’s local list.
62 Tilehurst Road has been added given its distinctive early Victorian features, which include its patterned brick work and stylish porch entrance.
Councillor Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey) suggested adding a detached coach house and stable block (in the gallery above) to the listing at a later date.
A planning officer pointed out that these buildings are owned by the neighbouring St Edward’s Prep School, therefore negotiations would have to take place with the school about the listing.
Decision on HMO conversion deferred (220028)
The committee decided to delay judgement on a plan to convert 62 Goldsmid Road from a house into a HMO.
The owner of the two-bedroom house submitted a plan to convert it into a six bedroom house for private occupants, which would involve replacing an existing outbuilding to make way for a two-storey extension.
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Councillor Tony Page (Labour, Abbey) expressed concerns that the plan appeared to provide no natural daylight or ventilation.
Therefore, the committee unanimously chose to defer the decision so planning officers can propose conditions to ensure there is appropriate daylight and ventilation.
Tree pruning approved (221493)
The committee approved the application of cllr John Ennis (Labour, Southcote) to conduct works to 12 trees where he lives at Hamstead Court in Grovelands Road, Norcot.
Cllr Ennis is a member of the committee himself, so therefore could not vote in this case.
The work involves pruning and the removal of sprouting from the trees.
Christmas party given go ahead (221544)
The Best Parties Ever Christmas event was given the go ahead to temporarily use Kings Meadow.
This year, the theme was the ‘Dream Circus’.
The marquee for the event had already been put up when the committee discussed it.
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Cllr Page praised the organisers during discussion.
He said: “They deliver -like the rock festival- a well honed service and have had much experience in managing Napier Road and the accessing and servicing this development.”
He also pointed out there had been no complaints and the events are well run.
Approval for temporary use was granted unanimously on the provision that the land would be restored by December 31.
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