Reading homeowner ordered to demolish extension as appeal fails

The extension created a rear annexe for the home in Whitley, but a government planning inspector has agreed that it has been constructed unlawfully. 

Elsewhere, offices in one of the busiest areas of the town are set for conversion into a takeaway.

You can view each application by typing the reference in brackets into Reading Borough Council’s planning portal.

Homeowner ordered to demolish extension (240320)

The rear extension to the semi-detached home in Chagford Road, Whitley as it was built.The rear extension to the semi-detached home in Chagford Road, Whitley as it was built. (Image: Mark Chadd Architectural Services)

The owner of a semi-detached home in Chagford Road has been ordered to demolish an extension that was built without permission.

A sizeable rear extension created an annexe for the occupants has been built.

Council planning enforcement officers discovered the extension had been constructed without permission, and served a notice ordering that it should be demolished.

Although the homeowner appealed the decision, government-appointed planning inspector John Morrison sided with the council, meaning the matter has been referred back to the council’s enforcement team to take action.

Takeaway approved in busy Oxford Road area (PL/24/1264)

The unoccupied commercial units at 549 Oxford Road, Reading.The unoccupied commercial units at 549 Oxford Road, Reading. (Image: Google Maps)

Former offices in Oxford Road will be brought back into use as a takeaway. 

The offices served various functions, including being occupied by a cafe and an accountancy firm at the address, next to the former Grovelands Baptist Church, which is now the Victory @ Reading Hope Centre.

One of the units provided at the address has been taken over by a baguette cafe.

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It is understood the plan involves bringing the remaining unit into use as a hot food takeaway, a conversion which requires planning permission.

Recommending approval, planning officer Marcelina Rejwerska judged that use of the unit as a takeaway would not have a material impact on the character of the traffic in the area.

The project was approved on Friday, February 7.

Changes to security measures at town centre service yard (PL/24/1661)

The St Mary's Service Yard in Reading town centre.The St Mary’s Service Yard in Reading town centre. (Image: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service)

Changes to new walling and a gateway for a service yard in the town centre have been approved.

The plan for the installation of enhanced security measures, which involves extending the current wall and installing two electric gates that replace existing pedestrian access was approved by councillors in July 2023.

The project has since been adjusted, with changes to the brick and proposed gates.

These changes were judged acceptable and approved by the council’s planning department on Monday, February 10.

New screen for Green Park sign (PL/25/0180)

The Green Park sign at the junction of Longwater Avenue and Brook Drive, Whitley.The Green Park sign at the junction of Longwater Avenue and Brook Drive, Whitley. (Image: Google Maps)

The company in charge of Green Park has applied to replace a media screen underneath its tower in Longwater Avenue.

Once complete, the display panel will be installed with the Green Park logo illuminated in white. 

Work is currently being undertaken on the tower by contractors.

Reading Chronicle | Town Centre