Derelict site finally has plans approved

CGI of the approved plan for a four-storey building containing 23 flats at Silver Street

New flats have been approved in an area of a town once described as "scruffy and awful".

A developer is set to build 23 flats following a decision by the planning applications committee at Reading Borough Council.

The site on Silver Street was previously home to Sapphire, a commercial balustrades and handrail business, but has been dormant for more than a decade.

Labour councillor for Caversham, Jan Gavin said: “I think it will be a huge improvement of the site which is now derelict.”

The construction site in Silver Street, Reading

Sapphire was previously described as being "scruffy and awful" by Rose Williams, who was then a councillor, back in 2018.

The single-storey Sapphire building was demolished in 2019 and a larger vacant building next to it was then also flattened in 2020.

But little has happened since then as developers’ repeated attempts to build on the site were rejected.

A plan for 62 student flats was rejected and dismissed on appeal in 2018 and a bigger project for 79 student flats was also ultimately dismissed on appeal in 2021.

Ms Gavin said: “When I think back, we were looking at 60-80 student studio flats at one time being crammed onto this site, so 23 homes represents a really good use of this site.

“Although it’s limited, I’m delighted to see some open amenity space provided for residents, so I think it will be a huge improvement of the site which is now derelict.”

CGI of what amenity space could look like at the project

The new building will provide four three-bed, 11 two-bed and eight one-bed flats.

Some will be provided at affordable private rent levels, which is 80 per cent of the market rate.

Conservative councillor for Emmer Green, Simon Robinson expressed “major concern” over the lack of parking.

The development would provide 11 car parking spaces, of which one would be disabled, and another would be reserved for electric vehicle charging.

Mr Robinson said: “I believe that is wholly inadequate. That area already suffers with issues for free parking for residents.”

Disagreeing, the Labour councillor for Thames, Richard Davies said:  “The development is within walking distance of the town centre, within walking distance of incredibly good communications and transport links.

“We are trying to encourage people to use alternative forms of transport, particularly when they are close to public transport networks.”