The Planning Applications Committee of Reading Council met on 10 September 2025 to discuss several planning and tree work applications, as well as planning appeals. The committee was also scheduled to consider potential site visits for future committee items.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider several planning applications.

Land Adjacent to 43 Upper Redlands Road

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for the self-build erection of a single dwellinghouse, with associated access, parking, and landscaping on land adjacent to 43 Upper Redlands Road. The plans included the relocation of a boundary wall and the removal of a bunker structure.

The planning officer's report noted that Councillor Cross requested that the application be brought before the committee, citing concerns about the scale, design, and imposing front elevation of the proposed dwelling.

The officer's report noted that the site is located within the Redlands Conservation Area and near the Grade II listed Wantage Hall. It was noted that the site is also located within a Green Link¹.

The proposed materials included a grey brick finish and white painted render. The plans also included two car parking spaces, a secure cycle parking area, bin storage, and an electric vehicle charging point. The indicative soft landscaping and biodiversity enhancements included 30 new trees, along with a sedum roof, wildflower area, bird and bat boxes, and hedgehog gaps.

The officer's report stated that a previous application was approved in 2021 for 1 dwelling on the same site, and that the legal agreement would be worded to ensure that both permissions are not built out.

The officer's report stated that the proposal would provide an additional dwelling, with a policy compliant affordable housing contribution. It also stated that the proposal would result in an on-site loss of biodiversity, but that this would be mitigated by the provision of off-site biodiversity credits alongside appropriate on-site biodiversity enhancements.

The officer's report stated that the proposal was considered to be acceptable, and recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement².

The report stated that the Section 106 agreement should include a contribution toward affordable housing equivalent to 10% GDV³ (£61,250) and off-site BNG⁴ units.

Sovereign House, 57-59 Vastern Road

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a change of use at Sovereign House, 57-59 Vastern Road, from E(g)(i) offices to F1(g) Law Courts, including internal alterations, an additional external lift, an additional sub-station, and landscaping works.

The planning officer's report noted that the applicant was the Ministry of Justice.

The officer's report stated that the proposal was generally acceptable as a new community/civic use. It also stated that the alterations and additions to the building were not highly visible, and that the rear lift would match the materials of the existing building. The officer's report stated that the landscaping and accessibility improvements were required for the building, as was the new substation.

The officer's report stated that the proposal would result in some loss of on-site vegetation, but that the overall proposal would result in enhanced landscaping overall and in a biodiversity net gain on the site. It also stated that the renewed landscaping would improve some existing plain areas of the site.

The officer's report recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.

Town Hall, Blagrave Street

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for listed building consent at Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street. The application sought consent to replace an existing timber double fire door with a new metal double door.

The planning officer's report noted that the Town Hall is a Grade II* listed building, and that the door is located at the rear, adjacent to the Grade II listed Hospitium building.

The officer's report stated that the proposal was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

Proposed Tree Work to One Council Plane Tree in Lancing Close

The committee was scheduled to consider proposed tree work to one council plane tree in Lancing Close, Reading.

The planning officer's report stated that an application had been received from the Tree Surveyor in Streetscene seeking consent to crown lift (remove/reduce lower branches) of the tree up to 4-4.5m above ground level. The reason for the pruning was cited as being that:

Branches are hanging down low over the adjoining school playground and also some branches are resting on the adjoining garage roofs.

The officer's report stated that the tree is located at the end of Lancing Close, and is subject to a Tree Preservation Order⁵.

The officer's report stated that the crown lifting proposed was considered to be reasonable management of the tree to alleviate concerns from the school and to avoid damage to the adjacent garages. It also stated that the proposed work would not have a significant detrimental impact on the health or amenity value of the tree.

The officer's report recommended that the works be approved, subject to no substantive objections or comments being received as a result of the public notice.

Planning Appeals

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on notifications received from the Planning Inspectorate on planning appeals registered with them or decisions made.

The report included details of new appeals lodged since the last committee, and details of appeals decided since the last committee, with summary reports provided.

Potential Site Visits for Committee Items

The committee was scheduled to consider a report to identify sites where a site visit would be appropriate before the matter is presented at committee, and to confirm how the visit will be arranged.

The report included a list of applications received that may be presented to committee for a decision in due course, and a list of sites that have previously been agreed should be visited before considering the officer report.