Reading's Local Plan Set for Key Updates

Key changes to the planning policies that define Reading's future are due to be made.

The Local Plan, adopted in 2019, sets where new homes can be built and other land-use rules. The council submitted a partial update to the planning inspectorate in May 2025.

Inspector Joanna Gilbert has identified modifications needed to acknowledge provisions for Traveller sites, which Reading lacks, and on water quality. Councillors discussed the changes on 16 September.

Labour planning lead Cllr Micky Leng said the partial update began in 2024 and has been a long process. He warned government changes mean councils must prepare full plans in future.

Cllr Leng said: "We are going to have a Local Plan, hopefully adopted by the council in January, then we will have 18 months to do our due diligence on Gypsy and Traveller [sites] and water quality."

"So we're still going to have a Local Plan, we're still going to provide good quality homes for people - 890 last year with a target of 825 - so, onward!"

Cllr Josh Williams (Green, Park) welcomed the chance to make changes and said a full update will be needed eventually.

He said: "We are going to have to do a full update of the plan at some point, let's say 2028, for example, that will be 10 years since the last one, and honestly I'm quite happy with that."

"We've been through so many things as a country and a town that plan is ready, I think, for a full update."

Williams referenced Tony Page, former planning lead; Cllr Leng replied: "I think he did some excellent things for the town, including Green Park Station, which is in my ward and valued by many of its residents."

On government reforms, Cllr Leng said the post-COVID need for homes calls for radical change but warned of shifting legislation and stressed protecting democracy, local government and environmental standards.

Councillors unanimously approved putting the main modifications of the Local Plan to a statutory consultation.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter