Housing development to go ahead on former Reading fire station site
Dee Road has been derelict for nearly two years
Last updated 31st May 2023
A plan to replace the former headquarters of the fire service in Reading with 54 homes has been approved.
Dee Road Fire Station was closed two years ago, with the crew that used to operate there being relocated to Theale Fire Station in September 2021.
But the site did not just house a fire station, as it also served as the headquarters of the Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service before it moved to Newsham Court in Calcot in October 2014.
The site was bought by developer Bellway Homes on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, which initially applied to build 63 homes in its redevelopment plan.
However, the scheme has been reduced to provide 54 homes instead.
Of those, the developers are proposing to build 13 one-bed, seven two-bed and three three-bed flats, and 23 three-bedroom and eight four-bedroom houses.
Of the 54 homes, 30 per cent will be affordable, which would be made up of four one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats and six of the three-bedroom homes.
Concern has been raised over parking and the impact of the development on neighbours.
A neighbour in Eldart Close said:
“I fail to see how any of the amendments advised of with the planning application have taken into consideration mine and my neighbours original objections.
“Parking is already an issue in this area with multiple homes owning two plus cars, with van work and vehicles.
“This development will not help with this issue.
“The security and privacy of mine and my neighbours homes will be directly affected by being overlooked, having a direct negative impact on resale value.”
62 car parking spaces will be provided, with 31 being allocated to the houses and 25 allocated to the 23 flats proposed.
The developers will be legally required to provide a £70,000 contribution to form a controlled pedestrian crossing at neighbouring Spey Road.