570 build-to-rent homes at Napier Court Napier Road, Reading

“The report considers a planning application for the proposed redevelopment of Napier Court, proposing the demolition of three existing office buildings and construction of 570 Build-to-Rent (BtR) apartments across four linked 11-storey blocks, with associated amenity spaces, landscaping and parking.”

“A full planning application for construction of new 11 storey buildings, to provide 570 residential dwellings consisting of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. The development would include ancillary facilities for residents, including residents’ lounge, gym and communal workspace. The buildings are to be set in landscaping to the rear , a pocket park between buildings, public realm fronting Napier Road, and roof terraces. Parking is proposed for 33 cars and 6 motorbikes .”

“To south the site directly abuts the railway line and to the east is an existing National Rail depot. To the west of the site is Thames Quarter, a build to rent (BTR) residential development of between 12 and 23 storeys and to the north on the opposite side of Napier Road is Kings Meadow, an area of public open space forming part of the Thames Valley Major Landscape Feature.”

“The application site is located within the Reading Central Area but is located outside of the Central Core, Primary Shopping Area and Office Core of the Central Area as defined by Policy CR1 of the Reading Borough Local Plan 2019.”

“The following neighbouring properties were notified of the planning application by letter: - Reading Railway Station, Station Approach - First Great Western Trains, Station Approach - Thames Lido Napier Road - 1 to 38 Kingfisher Place - The Lodge 22 Kings Meadow Road - 100 Napier Road - Kings Meadow House Kings Meadow Road…”

“A verbal update was provided at the meeting advising the Committee that, as set out in the update report, the applicant had submitted revised plans and supporting documents the day prior to the meeting.”

“Officers reported that there had been limited time to fully review the additional submitted information. However, having assessed the documentation over the preceding 24 hours, it was officers’ opinion that the revisions did not adequately address or overcome the reasons for refusal, with the exception of reason 5 that related to cycle parking provision.”

“(1) That application PL/24/0846/FUL be refused planning permission for the reasons set out in the original report with the informatives as recommended, subject to the deletion of reason for refusal 5 (cycle parking provision);”

“(2) That the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services be authorised to amend, remove or add to the reasons for refusal following the consideration of any revised plans or documents submitted by the applicant.”