CADRA Monthly Round-up June

Planning
CADRA has previously expressed concerns about the design of new signage and a ramp at the Baptist Church, a Grade II listed building designed by Alfred Waterhouse, at Caversham's core. Revised proposals show welcome improvements, which we have commented on.

We shall be looking closely at proposals for converting the former nursing home at 4 Kidmore Road into apartments.

CADRA has been consulted on proposals for the large and prominent SSE Vastern Rd site (next to the Thames across from the station) throughout the evolution of the design. We believe a planning application is imminent and we will keep you informed. Berkley Homes proposals are at: http://www.vasternroad.co.uk.

Big proposals are emerging for a scheme on Station Hill in central Reading, which will include 1000 homes, offices and leisure facilities. Here is a link to a Reading Chronicle article: Station Hill. The developers are mounting a public exhibition: 4pm - 8pm on Friday, June 14 and 10am – 1pm on Saturday, June 15 in The Biscuit Tin, 40 Station Hill, Reading.

Reading Local Plan is moving towards final submission, though some issues remain, including the Reading Golf Club site.

Flood Defences
CABFAS (Campaign for A Better Flood Alleviation Scheme) is in continuous dialogue with the Environment Agency (EA) to understand and influence these proposals on behalf of residents. You can register for updates about the campaign at CBFAS and follow up to date news on their Facebook page at CABFAS Facebook. For full details from the EA see Reading Caversham Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The EA is developing a programme of activities to publicise the scheme more widely to raise community awareness and gain people's views. CADRA will pass on details when we have them, but the EA's immediate plans are:

Pop-up stalls in prominent locations in areas around the scheme, starting as soon as possible, to share information about the proposals.
Publicising the scheme at the EA stall at Reading Water Fest (15 June).

Air Quality
A reminder of the Council's Idling Action Day on 20 June, designed to spread the word on the important issue of turning off engines when parked - a significant factor in poor air quality in our area.

Peppard Road Surgery
We are sorry to say that this surgery is closing after many years of valued service to our community, as the GPs are retiring. Over 2500 patients are being offered places at Emmer Green and Sonning Common surgeries. If you are affected, you can find advice here: Healthwatch Reading - Surgery Closure.

Policing
It is good to report that burglary rates are down and detection rates up, that anti-social behaviour around Mapledurham Playing Fields is diminishing and that thefts of catalytic converters have reduced.

The Police will be recruiting for Community Speed Watch, where trained volunteers will use speed cameras to discourage speeding in Caversham. Details will follow.

Public Space Protection Orders, which restrict various forms of anti-social behaviour, are now in place across Reading.

Reading Gaol is not only a very important historic building which could, if adapted for the right purposes, be a huge asset in the cultural and economic life of the town. However, the Ministry of Justice has declared its intention to sell to the highest bidder. Matt Rodda MP has launched a petition to try and prevent this. https://mattroddamp.com/stopreadinggaolselloff

Published: 2019-06-17 16:17:03
Updated: 2021-12-01 00:12:16

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