Talks continue on major Reading flats scheme

Further discussions are planned for the coming week before the fate of a major apartment scheme in central Reading is decided.Ropemaker Properties is seeking permission to demolish three building on a plot of land between Weldale Street and Chatham Street to make way for a proposed development.Of the three retail buildings, that closest to Weldale Street is still in use by Iceland. The other two units have been vacant for a number of years having previously been occupied by Wickes and Multiyork.The scheme put forward by Ropemaker incorporates the erection of new buildings arranged in two blocks and providing 427 flats alongside a ground floor retail shop or restaurant and café. A feature building stepping up to ten storeys is envisaged for the prominent south-east corner of the site.In a report prepared ahead of a planning committee meeting on 8 November, council officers have said that a number of issues remain up in the air before a firm recommendation can be made.The outstanding issues include the level of affordable housing and the mix of units proposed.At the date of the initial council report, the applicant is proposing 43 affordable units, with 70 per cent of these being social rent and 30 per cent being affordable rent units. The applicant has also agreed to the principle of a deferred contribution towards affordable housing, subject to a range of suggested terms.Further information about wind and microclimate conditions has also been sought by the council for further review by BRE on behalf of the local planning authority.An officer level recommendation on the scheme will be reported in an update report to be published before the meeting, once negotiations/assessments have been concluded.