Progress is being made on the project to add a new library to Reading council's civic offices.
Parking arrangements for disabled people have been agreed upon as construction work continues, with a hoped-for completion date next Spring.
Elsewhere, the conversion of two flats into a home of multiple occupation (HMO) has been approved above a shop along a busy road.
These plans and more were approved at a meeting of Reading Borough Council's planning applications committee on Wednesday, September 4.
You can view the applications by typing the reference number in brackets into the council's planning portal.
Disabled parking for new Central Library approved (PL/24/0916)
Arrangements for disabled parking at the new Central Library at the civic offices in Bridge Street have been approved.
The new library project was approved in January on the condition that further details be approved at a later date.
Three spaces will be provided for disabled blue badge holders on the outside of the building so that people can access the library.
Supporting it, councillor Andrew Hornsby-Smith (Labour, Church said) "There is provision now made, it's set out very clearly, the arrangements seem to be very clear and that's great."
Conversion of flats along Oxford Road (PL/24/0729)
Two two-bedroom flats above the Reading Food Centre in Oxford Road are set to be converted into a five-bed HMO.
While the project was approved, concerns about proper waste management were raised.
Cllr Amjad Tarar (Labour, Battle) said: "The majority of the flats above they throw the rubbish outside near the big bins near the businesses.
"That is a huge concern, it's smelly and people complain."
Planning officer Steve Vigar replied that conditions controlling suitable waste storage indoors prior to waste collection days would be imposed.
Industrial building replacement approved (PL/24/0800/FUL)
An industrial unit at the junction of Arkwright Road and Craddock Road in Katesgrove will be demolished and replaced with a new commercial building.
The plan involves the construction of a taller and new unit, with a planning agent arguing the development will significantly improve opportunities for employment in the area.
The project was welcomed by cllr Micky Leng (Labour, Whitley), who supported the developer's commitments to planting three trees off-site, and an employment and skills plan outlining what the development will provide in terms of employment and training opportunities to neighbours.
Cllr Leng said: "Jobs coming to Reading in general is always a benefit as far as I'm concerned."
Parking layout for special needs block at primary school changed (PL/24/0785)
A new parking layout for staff teaching at a special needs block at The Ridgeway Primary School in an estate near Whitley has been approved.
The change, which is retrospective, brought car parking spaces closer to the two-storey temporary special education needs and disabilities (SEND) block.
Cllr Jo Lovelock (Labour, Norcot) criticised the council's planning team for submitting the retrospective application, arguing such plans need to be submitted in a more timely manner.
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