Old Reading fire HQ will be replaced with 54 homes

Dee Road fire station in Tilehurst has been closed since 2021 after firefighters were relocated to Theale Fire Station.

It previously served as the headquarters of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service before a move to Newsham Court in Calcot in 2014.

Now, a plan to knock down existing buildings and replace them with a total of 54 homes has been approved.

However, neighbours have raised concerns about disruption and the development overlooking existing homes at a Reading Borough Council planning meeting.

Stuart Newton, a father of four living in neighbouring Spey Road said: “Our main concern is security, as our back garden backs directly onto the fire station, there’s the possibility of people being able to look directly over our garden, directly through to our patio and some of the windows of our properties as well.

“The fire station is a secure property, but with the new plans we believe it will just give scope for people to have easier access to our garden and property.”

He also raised concern about the construction of the development being disruptive with the noise and dust which emerges from construction.

Acknowledging the issues raised, councillor Jo Lovelock (Labour, Norcot) asked that ward councillors be given oversight of the construction management plan the developers must submit ahead of demolition and build taking place.

The old Tilehurst fire station at 103 Dee Road, Reading. Credit: Google Maps

However, planning officer Ethne Humphreys judged that the issue of overlooking is adequately addressed by landscaping and distancing from the existing homes.

Members of the planning committee praised the mix of homes planned and bring the derelict site back into use.

Cllr James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst)  said: “I think we can probably all agree that leaving a big derelict land of brownfield site is not want any of us want.

“We obviously want to see sites like this developed into something. I think the need for housing is in great need, especially in West Reading.

“I’m especially pleased to see West Reading and the Dee Park estate over time getting progressively improved with more and more developments and interesting things happening.

“I love the affordable housing contribution and the provision of affordable housing and the air source heat pumps. There’s a lot to like about this application.”

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The development submitted by Bellway Homes will be made up of 31 houses, divided into 23 three-bedroom and eight four-bedroom houses, and 23 flats in a mix of one, two and three bedrooms.

Councillors praised Bellway Homes for committing to make 30 per cent of the development affordable, consisting of four one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats and six three-bedroom houses.

Cllr Micky Leng (Labour, Whitley) said “This is a brownfield site, i think the density is right, they could have even put more houses on it. 31 houses are badly needed.

“I congratulate Bellway Homes, they’ve been very constructive in dealing with officers and taking on councillors concerns and on the whole it’s a good development.

“I do recognise the concerns raised by local residents, as with all planning applications, it’s about balance and value to the wider community.”

Councillors approved the development unanimously at a planning meeting on Wednesday, May 31.

You can view the application by typing reference 221130 into the council’s planning portal.