Conservation repairs at Caversham Court, Caversham, Reading

“The report considers applications for full planning permission and listed building consent for a programme of conservation and repair works at Caversham Court Gardens affecting the gazebo, the causeway to the upper level in the gazebo, the stable block east courtyard boundary wall and associated gate piers, the double oak gates to the principal entrance on Church Road and part of the existing garden forecourt north wall and associated buttress that separates the former…”

“The Gazebo CHURCH ROAD 1. 5128 (South Side) Caversham Riverside Garden Pavilion at Caversham Court (Formerly listed as Caversham Court Garden) SU 7074 11/263A 22.3.57. II 2. Early to mid C17 probably. Said to bear date 1617. Built by the Lovedays of Caversham Court. Reached by a raised walk (qv) from the main axial terrace (qv). At the south-west corner of the garden. 2 storeys square plan, 1st floor timber framed and entered from raised terrace.”

“The proposal affects a number of different listed structures at Caversham Court Gardens, which is itself a Grade II Registered Park and Garden. The national listing entries for the affected structures read as follows:”

“Relevant Planning History 4.1 PL/25/0606 & PL/25/0607 - Repair and conservation of part of the eastern boundary (screen) wall at Caversham Court Gardens including: part dismantling and rebuilding of two sections of the wall, repairs in situ to the wall, repairs to brickwork arches over existing below ground vaults, new structural concrete slab over vaults, alterations to existing surface water drainage and new supplementary surface water drainage, new paving to inner…”

“Structural repairs to the coach houses and alterations to provide conference/meeting rooms with supporting facilities. Application permitted. PL/07/0863 & PL/07/1602 - Restoration of the Grade 2 Listed Garden and its structures, including repair and re-building of replicas and new disabled access ramp.”

“As with all planning applications considered by the Local Planning Authority, the application is required to be determined in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise, as set out in Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.”

“The repairs and reinstatement works are essential to return the buildings and structures back to a good condition. Maintaining the buildings in a good state of repair will extend their longevity, and the methods proposed are appropriate to maintain the architectural/historic significance of the heritage assets. Subject to the recommended conditions, both applications are recommended for approval.”

“The main considerations relevant to the determination of this application are: I. Heritage Impacts II. Natural Environment - Trees III. Protected Species…”

“RBC Conservation Officer – No objections subject to conditions.”

“RBC Natural Environment – Revised Arboricultural method statement is acceptable. RBC Ecology Adviser – The applicant has submitted a preliminary bat survey report of the gazebo building (CA Ecology, March 2026) following the discovery of a Nathusius' pipistrelle bat within the building during structural survey works. Two subsequent emergence surveys (CA Ecology, June 2026) were undertaken.”

“Two site notices were displayed at the front of the site on 28 May 2026 in the public interest. The application was also advertised in the local press.”

“No letters of representation were received.”

“(1) That, pursuant to Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992, the carrying out of development PL/26/0614 (FUL/REG3) be authorised, subject to the conditions and informatives as recommended in the report;”

“(2) That Listed Building Consent for application PL/26/0617 (LBC/REG3) be granted, subject to the conditions and informatives as recommended in the report.”