Solar Panels Approved for Reading FC Stadium

Several planning applications in Reading have been approved, affecting the towns stadium, offices, a hall and a tree.

Solar panels for Reading FC stadium (PL/26/1076)

The Select Car Leasing Stadium, home of the Royals, will have solar panels fitted to its canopy. The ground opened as the Madejski Stadium in 1998. The plan for panels on the sloping roof was approved on Monday, September 7.

Change to convert offices into 78 flats (PL/26/0931)

Abbey Wharf in Kings Road will be turned from offices into 78 flats: 27 studios, 43 one-bed and eight two-bed apartments. Much of the exterior stays the same, but 14 roof-level windows will be added. Planning officer Alison Amoah said the changes were acceptable and needed for the redevelopment.

Hall conversion into forest school (PL/26/0672)

A hall on Gloucester Road, recently used as a photo studio but historically a community hall, has been approved for conversion into a forest school. It is understood Wild City Collective CIC will use the site for outdoor education about wildlife and woodlands.

Tree pruning to cut back branches in car park area (PL/26/0964)

A cherry tree at Cintra Close, near the Christchurch Road shops and Cintra Park, will be pruned to cut back branches overhanging parked cars. Approved work includes crown lifting and reduction of the lower lateral branches over the car parking bays.

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

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter