Abandoned Flats Project Blamed for Rat Infestation

A construction site in Silver Street where rats were spotted looks abandoned after builders appear to have pulled plans for 23 flats.

Plans for the development were submitted to Reading Borough Council in 2020 and were discussed by councillors in April 2024, who agreed to permit the scheme subject to a legal agreement. Silver Street Developments withdrew the application on October 19. Neighbour Patricia Tynan said she suffered a rat infestation and accused the workers of attracting the rats to the area.

Plan for flats in Silver Street no longer going ahead (PL/20/1766)

The proposed four-storey block would have been built on the site of the former Sapphire Balustrades business and an abandoned workshop, but the scheme has been withdrawn.

Cladding removal for 17 flats near town centre (PL/26/1156)

Indigo Apartments will have coloured and timber cladding removed and replaced with the non-combustible VitraDual aluminium system. Because the work relates to fire safety, a certificate of lawfulness was issued. Planning officer Sian Hickey noted the building was constructed as offices in the 1970s and later converted into apartments.

Nursery allowed to double children it serves (PL/26/0944)

Banana Moon nursery in Gosbrook Road, Caversham has permission to increase its indoor limit from 30 to 60 children, and the external play area limit from 10 to 25 at one time. The approval comes with conditions on parking and hours of operation.

Owner wins permission for changes to house (PL/26/1023)

The owner of a large house in Cintra Avenue was allowed to demolish an existing garage and replace it with a new garage and a garden room. Agent Holtham + Newman Architects said the new facilities would provide a more functional, attractive and long-term use for the property. Planning officer Marcelina Rejwerska ruled the project complies with the council's policies and it was approved on October 14.

You can view each decided application by typing the reference in brackets into the council's planning portal.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter