9 Upper Crown Street, Reading, RG1 2SS

Planning appeal 3313234 at 9 Upper Crown Street, Reading, RG1 2SS (Reading Borough Council) was dismissed on 27 April 2023 by Inspector Chalk M, following a hearing. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: Whether it would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupiers, with particular regard to outlook for occupiers of building 1 and the privacy and outlook of occupiers of buildings 2 and 3.

demolition of existing buildings and structures, associated reuse of frame with basement level used for car parking & servicing, erection of 3 no. residential blocks containing 46 no. dwellings above, associated parking (including replacement), access works and landscaping, relocation of substations & associated works to rear of indigo apartments to facilitate pedestrian access

Authority: Reading Borough Council
Appeal type: major · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Hearing
Development: residential · Major dwellings
Inspector: Chalk M
Postcode: RG1 2SS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether it would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupiers, with particular regard to outlook for occupiers of building 1 and the privacy and outlook of occupiers of buildings 2 and 3
The effect on the character and appearance of the area
The effect on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, with particular regard to the outlook from and privacy of nos 85 and 87 Southampton Street

What decided it

The unacceptable living conditions caused to the occupiers of the four terraced houses by the overbearing proximity and height of Building 2 outweighed the substantial benefits of the scheme.

The very substantial benefits of the scheme (46 new homes including policy-compliant affordable housing, economic, environmental and sustainability benefits) were outweighed by the harm to the living conditions of the occupiers of the terraced houses caused by Building 2, tipping the balance against the proposal.

What the Inspector cited

Development plan policies: Policy CC8Policy H10Policy CC7Policy EN14

How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.

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The decision letter

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