Changes have been made to a project to bring a centuries-old pub in Reading back into use.

The Sun Inn is currently being converted into a classy brasserie by a company founded by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.

Now, the project team wants to replace toilets with seating.

Elsewhere, an Italian restaurant is gearing up to open at the old Ask unit in the town centre.

You can view each application by typing the reference in brackets into the council’s planning portal.

Changes for pub (240025 and 240026)

Reading Chronicle: The amended plan to replace mens toilets with three tables and six seats at the Sun Inn, Castle Street, Reading. Credit: I D DesignThe amended plan to replace mens toilets with three tables and six seats at the Sun Inn, Castle Street, Reading. Credit: I D Design

Heartwood Inns, which is in charge of the project to bring the Sun Inn back into use, has applied to turn the gents toilets into a seating area.

The area will come with three tables with two seats each for intimate lunches and evenings out.

Approved designs show gents’ toilets being retained. Revised plans show that customers will be able to make use of two unisex toilet cubicles, with one wheelchair-accessible toilet provided at the main entrance.

Italian restaurant preparing to open (240133)

Reading Chronicle: The Zia Lucia restaurant, which is due to open in the old Ask Italian unit in St Marys Butts, Reading town centre. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The Zia Lucia Italian restaurant chain is gearing up to open in St Mary’s Butts.

The chain has applied to install front signage, a wooden sign and an awning for the unit it will occupy.

Reading Chronicle: Advertising plans for Zia Lucia at 65 St Marys Butts, Reading town centre. Credit: Deon Studio

Zia Lucia is on the lookout for managers, pizza chefs, waiters and kitchen porters.

It is opening in the unit previously occupied by Ask Italian, which closed in 2020 and was divided into two restaurant units, with the other being occupied by Biryani Mama.

Adjustment to make council homes more affordable (230613)

Reading Chronicle: An artist impression of the approved scheme for Amethyst Lane to provide 17 homes and a respite care facility. Credit: Reading Borough Council

The council’s housing department has made an adjustment to its own project to build 17 homes at its site in Amethyst Lane, Southcote.

The project for the homes and a respite care centre was approved by the planning applications committee last December, with the homes initially being approved for Reading Affordable Rent which is set at 70 per cent of market rent.

This has now been adjusted to Social Rent, which is typically in the range of 40-50 per cent of market rent.

The change was approved unanimously at the council’s planning applications committee meeting on Wednesday, February 28.

Once built, the project provide 10 three-bed and seven four-bed homes contained within three new terraces.

Changes to Caversham home approved (231708)

Reading Chronicle: Approved plans for a ground floor rear extension and loft conversion for a semi-detached home in Stuart Close, Emmer Green. Credit: HAC Design

A plan for a rear extension, a loft conversion and a rear dormer for a semi-detached house in Stuart Close, Emmer Green has been approved.

The project will provide the homeowner with a new kitchen and dining area and an ensuite double bedroom and office at loft level.

It was mentioned at the council’s planning meeting as the applicant is related to a member of the council.