Plans for Flood-Risk Flats Near Reading Rejected

Plans to turn offices near Reading town centre into 29 flats have been refused because of flood risk concerns.

Regents Gate on Crown Street, at the end of London Road, was previously used by Spire Healthcare for administrative purposes. Regents Gate Ltd applied to convert the three‑storey building into one‑ and two‑bed flats after a marketing period.

Planning officer Catrin Davies said the flats would be a more vulnerable use than offices and that the application failed to show future residents would be safe from surface water flooding.

The applicant's flood risk assessment said: "Safe access and egress along Crown Street to the building would be possible even during future extreme flood conditions."

Officer Davies rejected that view and also criticised a proposed 'stay put' approach for occupiers. She wrote: "A 'stay put' approach is not supported by the council as flood events last for several days and weeks and puts additional pressure on emergency services." No flood‑resistant or resilient measures were included in the plans.

The council had no objections on highways, noise, contamination or internal daylight; the building includes 31 undercroft parking spaces. But because it would introduce more vulnerable use on a site at risk of surface water flooding, the prior approval was refused.

The decision was made on Tuesday 7 April. The refused application can be viewed on the council planning portal under reference PL/26/0232.

Separately, Spire Healthcare has marked its more than 15‑year partnership with Reading FC. The company provides rapid diagnostics and advanced MRI scans, and offers fast‑track MRI access to the community, with appointments often available within 48 hours with a referral from a GP or physiotherapist.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter