A full planning application and a listed building consent to support the redevelopment of Caversham Park is being presented to the June committee.
The proposals have been through extensive public consultation since an original submission in 2021 and in 2022. This involved engagement with stakeholders and working with officers who are recommending it be delegated to the Assistant Director of planning, Transport and Regulatory Services to GRANT both full planning permission and listed building consent.
The proposals seek to redevelop Caversham Park House for Assisted Living units, provide a care home, age restricted housing and affordable housing as well as providing sporting and community uses opening the land, gardens and new amenities to the public where access has previously not been allowed.
The proposals respond to significant need for the types of housing proposed including:
• an unmet need for up to 7,218 affordable homes with the local plan period;
• a need for 1,090 care bed spaces within a 5 mile radius of the proposed development;
• a need for 1,067 sheltered/retirement homes; and
• a need for 393 assisted living units.
The original submission in 2022 was then supplemented with further revisions in late 2023, following further consultation and feedback and working with all parties to arrive at a scheme which struck the right balance.
Further amendments were made in March 2024 which form the basis of the current proposal and which is to be presented to members at committee.
As well as public consultation events, various meetings took place on site with stakeholders such as Berkshire Garden Trust, Local Members, Residents Groups and the Local MP.
By working closely with officers and other consultees and listening to feedback, a scheme has been developed which will meet local aspirations, help deliver in terms of the significant shortfalls in the various types of housing need and provide significant public benefits.
The evolution of the scheme has seen an overall reduction in the level of development in the more sensitive areas of the site responding to feedback received.
The affordable housing provision has however not changed which now stands at 37% of the new build C3 units.
The officers consider that granting permission is appropriate given the significant public benefits associated with the scheme.
These include:
• The retention and long-term preservation of Caversham Park House;
• Opening Caversham Park to the public for the first time in its history, enabling the local community to enjoy the Registered Park & Garden and the other proposed uses;
• Providing further pedestrian access into the site via Lowfield Road which was a significant request from stakeholders and residents;
• Publicly accessible sports facilities including croquet, tennis and cricket pitch which meets an identified local need;
• A museum incorporated into the extended pavilion, which also includes a café:
• The provision of employment and economic benefits;
• Increased landscaping and the reinstatement of certain areas of the Registered Park along with the provision of screening to reduce the impact of the care home and development to the north-east of the site;
• Ecological enhancements including an above policy Biodiversity Net Gain.
Conversion of Grade II listed Caversham Park House
Providing 65 Assisted Living Units (Class C2) and preserving and reinstating beautiful detailing in the building.
A new care home
Removal of modern outbuildings and construction of a two storey 64-bedroom Care Home (Class C2) to the west of the main house. The proposed care home would provide purpose-built accommodation and facilities for the frail elderly and those living with dementia.
Western parcel
Construction of 27 affordable homes in the enclosed field to the north of the BBC Records Centre, fronting Peppard Road representing 37% across the C3 new build development on the site. The existing gatehouse and Bursar’s Lodge are also being converted to 4 dwellings.
North Eastern Parcel
Construction of three two storey buildings to provide 12 age restricted retirement dwelling homes (for the over 55’s) on parkland just north of the existing car park.
Eastern Parcel
Removal of Twentieth Century satellite dishes to the east of Caversham Park House and construction of 29 age restricted retirement dwellings (for the over 55’s).
