Planning. What we do

CADRA monitors the weekly lists of planning applications and comments on proposals of significance to Caversham. We consider the density, height and general appearance in relation to the locality, the space and planting around the proposed buildings and the impact on the local infrastructure. For developments in areas where there is a local residents' association, we do so in consultation with them, as for example in Emmer Green, Mapledurham and private estates.

Click here to find out more about planning permission for Back Gardens

Current Planning Applications

CADRA maintains a summary of the significant planning applications in the Caversham and District area. It is updated each month following our committee meetings. You can access the council planning details directly from the appropriate entry in this list.

Click here to access this month's summary

The RBC weekly list of planning applications now also includes applications for work on trees, identified by two suffixes:

WTPO = works for trees with a Preservation Order

WTCA – works for trees in a Conservation Area

Development Sites and the Planning Process.

Full details and maps can be found on the Reading Borough Website.

Some of the development sites in Reading remain controversial. North of the river, the only site earmarked for development is at Lowfield Road for 21 to 34 houses with the proviso to take account of the potential for contaminated land and not be detrimental to important landscape nearby.

A significant change is the provision for much needed affordable housing. Developments of five or more units will be required to provide a percentage of affordable housing within the scheme. This percentage will increase for larger schemes. Schemes for less than five units will make a financial contribution towards affordable housing elsewhere. The site of the former Caversham Laundry on George Street was also considered. Following revision of the flood map, this is now not suitable for housing. While CADRA have long opposed over development of this important site, we have raised concerns that it could now suffer planning blight.

Another far reaching strategic decision will be the Development Framework for the area around the station. This is a short document and worth a look at click here .

All of these documents are also available at Planning Reception at the Civic Centre and currently in public libraries.

South Oxfordshire Planning

South Oxfordshire District Council is finalising its housing strategy to 2026. The list of development sites submitted to them will go to consultation this autumn. Some are on or near the Caversham border. Click here for Oxfordshire's Site Allocations' Plan and here for interactive map showing relevant policies.

CADRA is now routinely receiving details of planning applications in South Oxfordshire and will review those near the Caversham border.

Helpful Hints for Planning Objections

If you are concerned about a planning application and wish to oppose it, you may find this helpful hints page  useful.

Planning Enforcement

If you believe that construction is not in line with agreed plans or that planning conditions are being breached, this is a matter for Planning Enforcement. Click here for more information.

Contacts and Links

Reading Borough Council - Planning Permission and enquiries  0800 626540.

The Council website provides extensive information on planning applications.  www.planning.reading.gov.uk.

Planning Inspectorate - government department which deals with all planning applications that go to appeal.

www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/index.htm