New flat numbers at shopping centre increased after talks

A plan for more than 640 flats in four tower blocks built as part of a town's shopping centre has been approved.

The blocks will be built at Broad Street Mall in Reading but five shop units and nearly 300 parking spaces will be lost to make way for them.

Reading councillors had been asked to approve the application on 2 April but it was deferred to allow further discussion about affordable housing included in them.

Applicants McLaren and UREF III LP agreed to increase it from an initial 10% to 12.5%, which will equate to 80 homes of the 643 flats. Council officers advised that was acceptable.

Last year, a spokesperson for McLaren said the project would "transform" the area by bringing "new life and vibrancy".

"The proposals also enable Broad Street Mall to continue operations, helping business to be maintained and then thrive in the new retail environment that will be created," the agent added.

Previous plans for 400 flats and a hotel on the site were approved in 2019 and 2021.

Reading Borough Council's planning applications committee approved the latest plan on Wednesday.

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