Blue Banana Faces Signage Troubles in Reading

Quick planning round-up from Reading: a piercing and fashion shop is still fighting over its signage, a casino's new look has been approved, a Caversham homeowner has been refused for an unauthorised gym that could be used as a home, and parking details for the former Central Pool scheme have been signed off.

Piercing and fashion store still in trouble over signage (PL/26/0734)

Blue Banana, which took over the former Ann Summers in Broad Street in October last year, has been seeking shopfront approval since August 2025. Planning officer Ethne Humphreys rejected the latest design, saying timber would be more appropriate and the applicant had failed to specify whether the signage would be illuminated.

New look for casino (PL/26/0513)

The Genting Casino in Richfield Avenue has been given the go-ahead to install new branding at high level, mid-level and on its canopy, and to replace two totem signs. Planning officer Huimin Chen said the changes would not detract from the building or the largely commercial area. The project was approved on July 3.

Homeowner in trouble over gym built without permission (PL/26/0601)

A gym was built without permission to the rear of a home in Coldicutt Street, Caversham. Photos by planning officer Anthony Scoles show the structure used for storage but fitted with a shower and toilet. Mr Scoles rejected retrospective permission because of its possible unauthorised use as a separate home and flooding concerns.

Parking changes for former Central Pool council project (PL/26/0424)

Parking arrangements for the council development on the former Central Pool site in Battle Street have been approved. The building was demolished in 2018 and will be replaced with 62 affordable flats and a social care facility. Details include areas reserved for permit holders and a loading bay.

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

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter