Caversham Park Scheme Submitted

Posted by UK Property Forums on 12th April 2022 -

Plans for redevelopment at Caversham Park House in Reading have been submitted to the council.

Beechcroft Developments has submitted its plans to Reading Borough Council for a conversion of the mansion and additional development to create a care home, retirement home and additional houses.

Initial proposals were presented to the public at a consultation event last October.

A breakdown of its plans reveals:

• Conversion of the Grade II-listed mansion for 64 assisted living units for over 55s
• A new-build 64-bed care home
• 61 age-restricted retirement properties on the site of the current car park to the east of the mansion including a Georgian-style terraced crescent of 12 homes with two pairs of semi-detached houses
• 28 affordable homes to the west of the site
• Five market houses, created by converting buildings at the entrance to the site
• A walking trail around the perimeter of the 93-acre site, accessible to both residents and the general public

There will also be the conversion of an existing cricket pitch into two croquet lawns and two bowling greens. A second tennis court will be built along with an extension to an existing pavilion to provide changing areas, a cafe and a meeting space.

Discussions are ongoing with local groups, including Caversham Croquet Club, about using the sports facilities.

Beechcroft managing director Chris Thompson said: “More than 69 per cent of those submitting a feedback form at the public consultation expressed support. We have listened to the public’s views and have amended our original proposals as a result.

“Caversham Park is mainly registered parkland, and we respect this special designation. So, whilst the area within the red line is 93 acres, the built area will extend to just seven acres, or just 7.5 per cent of the whole site. Significantly for the local community, this scheme will mean that, for the first time in generations, access to the parkland will be available.

“Beechcroft sees itself as the custodian of one of the most architecturally attractive buildings within Reading, and the glorious parkland. This is one of the most exciting planning proposals seen in the borough for many years as it addresses some of the real issues facing Reading. There is a severe shortage of older persons housing, affordable housing, and publicly accessible open space.”

Beechcroft says changes made as a result of the public consultation include:

• Redesign of the eastern housing to retain more of the existing trees
• Removal of a previously proposed second access onto Peppard Road
• Provision of a possible third croquet lawn
• The walking trail

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