Reading pub owner's plea as flats threaten music venue

Developer Hamble Residential is seeking to build a five-storey building containing 15 apartments at 10 Eaton Place, a site right next to the historic pub The Butler in Chatham Street.

The housing plans were ultimately shot down by Reading Borough Council's planning applications committee last November. However, Hamble Residential launched an appeal to the government's planning inspectorate which could approve the development.

There are fears the development will have an irrevocable impact on The Butler. Steve Stanton, the boss of the pub, said the project could be the "death knell" of live music at The Butler due to the risk of future noise complaints.

Efforts have been made to better protect the pub including a submission in August to name it as an 'asset of community value' in recognition of its importance locally.

A picture of The Butler music venue in Chatham St, Reading before the old Butler Wine Vaults storage room was refurbished into a live music hall that is currently enjoyed by punters. (Image: Steve Stanton)

Mr Stanton said: "We host all kinds of live music from album launches and punk festivals to open mic nights and originals artist evenings, in addition to the usual darts teams, private parties, DJs, brush parties - you name it, we have it.

"We are an asset to the community."

A case will also be made that Hamble Residential is the 'agent of change', making the company responsible for managing the impact of the change it is introducing.

READ MORE: Push to protect pub and music venue near the town centre 'at risk' due to flats plan

Putting the situation simply, Mr Stanton said: "We were here first and will almost certainly be impacted with residents living right on our boundary line."

The biggest concern is that future occupants would likely make noise complaints against The Butler, with the council being obliged to act to put controls on noise levels.

Mr Stanton, who is also the organiser of the Marvellous Festival at Dinton Pastures, said: "That's the threat. We are not unreasonable. I'm for reasonable development, but five storeys high right on our boundary?

"Also, I would not be able to put solar panels up on the roof if it goes ahead because it would overshadow us completely."

Steve Stanton, one of the bosses of The Butler pub and music venue in Chatham Street, Reading town centre (Image: Steve Stanton)

Reading Borough Council planning officer Matt Burns recommended the project be approved as the site is allocated for development in the Reading Local Plan.

Mr Stantion accused the council's planning department of 'not caring enough' about the venue's future viability. He said: "It's a monstrous development. They haven't considered how vulnerable we will be to complaints.

"Thankfully, the planning committee unanimously rejected it even though planning officers recommended approval.

A CGI of what apartments near The Butler pub in Chatham Street, Reading could look like if they are given the go ahead. (Image: Anomaly)

"We are not anti-development. I'm sure there is a better plan possible, but not one with bedrooms and balconies directly facing and overlooking our live music hall only six metres away.

"How on earth is that going to work. It doesn't make any sense."

The appeal hearing is due to take place on Tuesday, September 17. 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.