Flats could still be built at the back of pub in Reading

The Butler opposite the Q car park in Chatham Street is a Grade II listed as it dates back to 1830, and currently functions as a busy music venue.

The area near it has been designated as a 'Major Opportunity Area' which has prompted developers Hamble Residential to submit a plan to build a five-storey block containing 15 apartments.

The project would involve the demolition of the current building 10 Eaton Place, which was previously occupied by Reading Community Learning Centre, before that organisation moved to London Street.

10 Eaton Place in Reading, an office building subject to demolition plans. Credit: Anomaly

However, Hamble Residential's plans were dashed when the project was refused by Reading Borough Council's planning applications committee last November.

At the time, Steve Stanton, the owner of The Butler, argued the location of the flats so close to the venue would "undoubtedly lead to noise complaints."

He also called the design of the proposed apartments  “ugly and aggressive."

READ MORE: Plans for flats directly behind The Butler pub in Reading rejected 

Councillors on the committee agreed, fearing that future noise complaints could put the pub at risk.

Councillor John Ennis (Labour, Southcote) said:  “Anywhere else it wouldn’t be much of a problem, to be honest.

“[But the development] has been put right on top of a pub.

“The Butler is a really good venue, I went into it on a Friday night and it is an excellent venue.

“These venues are crucial to the wellbeing of our community.”

The Butler pub in Chatham Street, Reading. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

But the apartments could still be built as the developers have submitted an appeal to the government's planning inspectorate.

Iceni Projects, the planning agents for Hamble Residential, have argued that a noise assessment has been conducted to identify mitigating measures that would shield future occupants from sound coming from The Butler.

A planning agent wrote: "The design of the scheme has included noise mitigation measures to respond to context of the site and the results of the noise assessment.

"The design includes the inclusion of improved insulation, glazing with an enhanced performance along with high-performance mechanical ventilation will be required."

Iceni Projects has also pointed out that the site is located within the 'West Side Major Opportunity Area' identified as policy CR12 within the Local Plan.

An area of substantial development: 10 Eaton Place, Reading, number 1, amongst other buildings where plans have been submitted and approved. Credit: Anomaly

You can view the application on the council's planning website using reference 201104, and find the appeal on the planning inspectorate website using reference APP/E0345/W/24/3343524.

A date for the appeal has been set for Tuesday, September 17.

Recently, a plan to replace Eaton Court which fronts onto Oxford Road 120 flats was rejected by councillors in part over the risk that future noise complaints could threaten The Butler and The Face Bar club.