I wanted to update you on some disappointing news about a recent important planning decision.

As you may have seen, the Government has allowed the retail site on Vastern Road to be redeveloped and for several large blocks of flats to be built on the site. The Government’s decision overturned previous decisions not to grant planning permission, which had been made by both Reading Borough Council’s planning committee and a planning inspector.

The decision means that the site, which currently includes a number of retail businesses between Caversham Road and Trooper Potts’ Way, can be redeveloped within the next five years.

I am concerned by this decision, and although I am unsure if there is a right of appeal, I am going to write to the Minister involved to see what if any options are available to challenge the decision.

In addition to work on this site I am continuing to raise residents’ objections about the height of other new buildings and the number of flats being built near the station.

The main points of the decision are as follows:

• Outline permission has been granted for four blocks, with heights ranging from 55 metres up to 75 metres.
• There is the potential for 600-1000 homes to be built at the site, as well as retail and business units.
• The ground floors of the buildings will have some retail or commercial use.
• The loss of some local trees with tree protection orders (TPO).

You can view the planning application on the council’s website here . You can also comment on the application. Select ‘comment’ to leave public comment on the application.

I am sorry to have to deliver this news and I understand it will be deeply disappointing to many residents.

Yours sincerely,

Matt Rodda MP