Kidmore End Road Appeal Court Challenge (Golf Course)
CADRA has now received formal notification that Fairfax, acting for Reading Golf Club, has lodged a High Court challenge to the Inspector’s dismissal of the Kidmore End Road appeal. As a Rule 6 Party, we will receive all court documents throughout the process.
The challenge begins with the Permission Stage, where a judge in chambers considers written submissions from Fairfax and from the Government Legal Department, acting for the Planning Inspectorate. At this stage, the judge decides only whether the challenge is arguable in law — not whether the Inspector’s planning judgement was correct. Permission may be granted, refused, or refused with the option of a short oral hearing.
We have received both Fairfax’s initial challenge statement and the Government Legal Department’s response. For those interested, we have bundled them together, starting with the decision notice, at: Challenge Documents.
In summary, the Inspector’s decision notice identifies three principal reasons for dismissal: conflict with South Oxfordshire’s spatial strategy, harm to the locally valued landscape, and incompatibility with the established rural settlement pattern.
The appellant’s challenge argues that the Inspector misapplied planning policy and reached legally flawed conclusions, particularly regarding landscape value, settlement pattern, and the interpretation of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It also questions whether appropriate weight was given to housing need, whether the neighbourhood plan was applied correctly, and whether the assessments of landscape harm and locational sustainability were reasonable.
The Government Legal Department’s response addresses each point and explains how the Inspector’s reasoning was proper, policy‑compliant, and robust.
We think the challenge reads more like a disagreement with the Inspector’s judgement than a claim of legal procedural flaws, and therefore should be dismissed.
Other Planning Matters
Caversham Court (PL/26/0617)
A comprehensive package of repair and conservation works is proposed for the Gazebo, Causeway, Stable Block boundary wall, gate piers, and the East screen wall. As this is the Council’s own application and affects Listed Buildings, the Planning Applications Committee will meet to consider a recommendation to approve with conditions. These works are important to safeguard one of Caversham’s most significant heritage assets.
2 Bridge Street (PL/26/0736)
At the former Persian Palace site, the application relates to the waterfront extension and seeks approval of Condition 1 (Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment). CADRA commented that the plan is not workable. It does not address debris management, which is a key factor during flooding events and can significantly increase blockage and flow risk. Debris also accumulates as a consequence of the normal flow of the river, as well as waste from the premises.
Land at the Rear of 88 Knights Way (PL/26/0679)
Emmer Green Kindergarten proposes installing a Portakabin to provide 30 additional nursery places and space for three staff. The site backs onto a service road used by nearby flats and shops. While the expansion would support much‑needed early years provision, local concerns include noise and traffic impacts. It is also important that educational safeguards — such as staff ratios and outdoor space — are maintained and that environmental impact is minimised.
2–4 Church Street (PL/19/1530)
Over several years there have been renovation applications for the Listed 2–4 Church Street, formerly the Spice Oven, without any work being done. The recently approved application proposes demolishing part of the rear of the restaurant, constructing four flats, and updating the Church Street frontage to create two retail units.
This building and its neighbours form a key historic gateway into Caversham. CADRA has followed and commented on all related applications. We recently raised concerns with the Planning Officer about which of two permissions is operative and how the quality of the ongoing work will be ensured. Given the importance of preserving the heritage of this Listed Building, we also informed Ward Councillors. The Planning Officer has confirmed they share some of our concerns, will be undertaking a site visit, and will keep CADRA informed.