Councillors postpone plans for town centre apartments.

Reading councillors have postponed a decision on plans to add hundreds of homes to the Oracle shopping centre in the town centre. The proposal involves constructing over 400 apartments, replacing the existing Vue cinema and the former Debenhams store with new residential towers.

During a planning committee meeting on Tuesday, members of Reading Borough Council requested more detailed information about the site and unanimously voted to conduct an accompanied site visit. Committee chair Jan Gavin emphasized the need to have "all questions answered" before making a decision on what she described as a "landmark development for the town."

The Oracle, which opened in 1999, was fully acquired by Hammerson last month. The residential plans, first revealed three years ago, would introduce housing to the centre for the first time. Although the project received a recommendation for approval, councillors raised several concerns and queries.

Labour councillor Matt Yeo noted that a site visit "might help me better understand the development and its relationship with the rest of the Oracle." He highlighted questions about the impact on the nearby heritage conservation area and the surrounding environment, suggesting a visit to the highest point of the building to assess the views.

Following revisions, two storeys were removed from towers south of the river, while one additional storey was added to a block north of the Kennet. Each new tower would house 218 apartments.

Fellow Labour councillor Andrew Hornsby-Smith acknowledged the development as "positive in many ways" but expressed concerns about protecting rental contracts and what would happen after 20 years. Issues regarding affordable housing were also raised, with Green councillor Kathryn McCann and Liberal Democrat James Moore emphasizing the importance of meeting policy targets. Moore stated, "I'm bitterly disappointed we're not seeing more affordable housing - it's only 10%, whereas our policy is 30%."

The meeting concluded with a tentative date for the site visit on 18 December. Jan Gavin said, "If we can do it, then we move this along and reach a decision in January. This is a signature development for our town, and we want to ensure it is done correctly."

Author's Analysis: Reading Oracle Residential Plans

The postponement of the decision on the Oracle redevelopment reflects the council’s cautious approach to a major urban project. Over 400 apartments are proposed, replacing the Vue cinema and the former Debenhams store, marking the first introduction of residential units in the town centre.

Councillors have requested a detailed site visit to fully assess the impact on the surrounding heritage and environment. Concerns include the views from new towers, effects on nearby conservation areas, and long-term tenancy arrangements. Revisions to the plan have already adjusted tower heights, indicating responsiveness to feedback.

Affordable housing remains a significant issue. Only 10% of units are planned as affordable, falling short of the 30% policy target, drawing criticism from multiple councillors. While the project has positive aspects, such as revitalizing the town centre, these social and environmental considerations are central to the council's evaluation.

The site visit scheduled for 18 December will be crucial for addressing outstanding questions. If resolved, the council aims to reach a decision in January, underscoring the development’s status as a key milestone for Reading.

Sources:

• Councillors defer town centre apartment plans