Reading object to Underwood Road planning application.

Below is the letter sent to West Berkshire Council Planning Department from Reading Borough Council Planning objecting to the development at Underwood Road.

Dear ,

RE: DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING BUILDINGS FORMING THE UNDERWOOD ROAD SHOPPING CENTRE (INCLUDING THE FORMER PUBLIC HOUSE, SUPERMARKET AND DOCTORS SURGERY) AND CONSTRUCTION OF 74 NO. RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS IN THE FORM OF 1 AND 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS, A RETAIL UNIT AND DOCTORS SURGERY AND THE RECONFIGURATION OF THE CAR PARKING FOR THE KENNET VALLEY FREE CHURCH.
WEST BERKS APP. REF.: 10/01735/FULEXT

I refer to the above planning application that was considered by Reading’s Planning Applications Committee (PAC) at its meeting on 13 October 2010.

I have already forwarded you a copy of the PAC report and advise that the Council’s decision on this application was as follows:

That West Berkshire Council be informed that Reading Borough Council object to this application on the following grounds:

• The proposal would result in significant additional on-street parking on Carters Rise and Underwood Road thereby adversely affecting road safety and the flow of traffic contrary to polices OVS2 and TRANS 1 of the West Berkshire Local Plan, Saved Polices; and with national planning guidance contained within PPG13 (Transport) and PPS3 (Housing) PPS1 (Delivering Sustainable Development).


In addition to the above formal planning objection, Southcote Ward Councillors also raise concerns about the impact of the above proposal on local schools. There is significant movement of children across authority borders in this area at both primary and secondary level, and members would seek an assurance that in the event of this development going ahead the two education departments jointly consider the provision required for the additional children expected and allocate any resultant S106 resources accordingly.


If there are any points in this letter that require further clarification please do not hesitate to contact me on number given above.

Yours sincerely,


(Principal Planning Officer, South/West Area Team)