Division over contentious homes plan in Caversham

Building company Rosegold Estates applied to build two semi-detached homes near Reading Cemetery in December last year.

The site in Hawthorne Road has been vacant for years after a bungalow was demolished there.

But neighbours and councillors were divided over the project during discussion at a Reading Borough Council planning applications committee meeting.

Paul Causebrook, a neighbour living in Woods Road spoke against the project, arguing the introduction of the homes would be overbearing on houses next door, cause traffic issues and overload the drainage system.

Mr Causebrook was given five minutes to speak. He pressed ahead after the time passed, but was allowed to finish by the committee.

During the debate, councillor James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) opined that the semi-detached homes would fit better into Hawthorne Road than the bungalow they replace, which was demolished in 2016.

The site of the demolished bungalow in Hawthorne Road, Caversham, as seen in April 2009. Reports state it was demolished in 2016. (Image: Google Maps)

However, cllr Stephen Goss who represents the area sided with Mr Causebrook, arguing that allowing the development would set a precedent for more homes to be built that are not in keeping with the character of the area.

Cllr Goss (Conservative, Emmer Green) said: "This is setting precedent. We apparently can just build properties that aren't in keeping with the architectural style of the area if there just happens to be a property there before that wasn't, so where do we draw the line?"

Replying, cllr Jan Gavin (Labour, Caversham), the chair of the committee stated that the whole reason why the meetings are devised is to allow such applications to be approved or refused.

Sonal Mehan of Rammurti Design, speaking on behalf of the developer, argued the benefits of the scheme, particularly that it would bring the vacant site back into use.

He said: "Where there is land available to accommodate more development, why shouldn't that be exploited?

"Not for financial gain necessarily, but we are in this situation where we are in a housing shortage.

"Additional properties coming online should be accommodated in any way possible.

"We have an element of a not in my backyard NIMBYism scenario."

The 7 Hawthorne Road, Caversham site, where a developer wants to build two three-bedroom homes. Credit: Google Maps Mr Mehan spoke with cllr Daya Pal Singh (Labour, Emmer Green) by his side.

Labour members of the committee were supportive of the project.

Cllr John Ennis (Labour, Southcote) said: "We need housing, and they are not going to come from space.

"Therefore I welcome this development. Caversham people are desperate to live in Caversham because it's a lovely area."

Meanwhile, cllrs Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey) and Matt Yeo (Labour, Caversham) argued the project would be beneficial, as it will provide two families, who would each get a three-bed house.

The adjusted elevations for the project to build two semi-detached homes on the site of a former bungalow in Hawthorne Road, Caversham. (Image: Rammurti Design)

Ultimately the plan was approved with cllr Goss voting against it at the meeting on October 2.

The project was submitted last year with adjustments to the elevations made to make the building appear as one dwelling, which was noted by planning officer Marcie Rejwerska.

You can view the approved application by typing reference PL/23/1733 into the council's planning portal.