Reading masterplan for new homes moves to next stage

Reading Borough Council adopted its Local Plan 2019. But since then, a series of adjustments are being sought by the council's Labour administration, in a 'partial update' of the document. 

These updates are based on developments that have been completed, and new places where homes could be built.

As well as defining sites for development, the Local Plan also contains a number of policies relating to the amount of bedrooms provided and affordable housing. 

READ MORE: Push to increase affordable and family homes in plans that shape the future of town

The adjustments have moved to the next step in the process after the draft Local Plan partial update was approved at a full meeting of the council.

Introducing the draft, Micky Leng, lead councillor for planning said: "This Local Plan is a crucial strategic document that will steer future development and growth for our town, it will play a leading role in sustaining and improving our inclusive economy, ensuring that economic opportunities are accessible to all residents regardless of their background.

"It will always prioritise sustainable development practices to reduce environmental inequalities, ensuring that all neighbourhoods benefit from cleaner air, green spaces, decent infrastructure and importantly for me, affordable homes."

Micky Leng (Labour, Whitley) deputy leader of Reading Borough Council and lead councillor for planning and assets introducing the Local Plan partial update. (Image: Reading Borough Council)

One of the measures contained in the updated draft plan includes a minimum three-year tenancy for all new build-to-rent developments. 

Cllr Leng (Labour, Whitley) said: "We've strengthened build-to-rent by giving private renters a form of secure tenure and we've strengthened our affordable housing policies."

Cllr Doug Cresswell (Green, Katesgrove) welcomed adjustments to the desired housing mix, saying more three-bedroom houses are welcome, but thought the council could request homes with more bedrooms from developers.

He said: "We don't support everything listed, but it's a good framework to base decisions on, and we support it going to consultation."

The draft of the Local Plan went to a consultation from November 2023 to January. 

Two of the most commented-on sites allocated for development are Kentwood Hill, allocated for 41-62 homes and Armour Hill, allocated for 12-18 homes.

Both sites are owned by the Tilehurst People’s Local Charity (TPLC), which also owns Tilehurst allotments.

READ MORE: Tilehurst charity fails to show up at public meeting to discuss concerns over potential 80 home plan

Members of the Keep Kentwood Green campaign group have called for both sites to be allocated as protected wildlife sites as badgers and other species have been spotted in the area. 

Deborah Dadd and other activists from the Keep Kentwood Green campaign. Credit: UGC

Meanwhile, TPLC and contractors identified 0.46 hectares of land defined as no longer appropriate for development following recorded badger sightings.

This land has now been removed as a place for development. But that stops short of removing the prospect of homes being built there entirely. 

Cllr Anne Thompson (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) said: "Because of our concerns, we cannot in all consciousness support the partial update."

Campaigners remain hopeful that a pending report by the Thames Valley Environmental Records Office will discover substantial evidence of wildlife, therefore limiting the possibility of any homes being built there. 

Cllr Isobel Ballsdon (Conservative, Caversham Heights) asked neighbours to be aware that Hemdean House School, which closed this year, has been suggested as a site for either continued education or community use, or for 22-34 homes.

In a vote, all Labour, Green and Conservative councillors voted for the Local Plan partial update to move ahead, with the three Lib Dem councillors voting against it at the meeting on Tuesday, October 15.

Soon, a second statutory consultation will take place into the Local Plan partial update. The final version must then be submitted to the government for approval.