PLANNING

In The Warren (PL/25/1174), there is a proposal to build a detached house on a site that has always been considered a river ‘leisure site”, and there are concerns about the negative impact on the character of the protected escarpment landscape as well as concerns about flood risk. On Upper Warren Avenue (PL/25/1100), a bungalow on a sizeable plot is set to be replaced with a larger home. Balmore House in Newlands Avenue (PL/25/1171), a listed building converted into flats in the early 1990s, is due for some updating and restoration, including internal alterations and external repairs to one of the flats. Also listed, some internal conservation work is proposed to a home on Church Road (PL/25/1083), where roof repairs are also being considered. In Hills Meadow, George Street(PL/25/1225), plans have been submitted for a temporary ice rink, marquee and stalls to run during the 2025 Christmas festival. This is now a regular and popular event, but there are concerns about noise, extra traffic, the potential impact on trees and shrubs and risk of flooding.

Changes to some other existing applications include: 18 Bridge Street (PL/25/1004), where the proposal to turn offices into two flats has been updated with a noise report, following earlier concerns about living conditions and flood risk. In Emmer Green, the new building for the nursery on land between Grove Road and Knights Way (PL/25/0883) has been amended. The extra child places are welcome but as with any school enlargement come concerns about traffic and access, and environmental loss. At the old Drews land on Caversham Road (PL/25/0894), the demolition of old buildings is already under way, and the planning condition for recording what was there has been discharged.

In South Oxfordshire, there are revised plans for the 70 houses on Land West of Kidmore End Road (P25/S1431/O). Feedback from the parish council and other groups is that the core objections on impact on the Chilterns landscape and traffic stand. CADRA has submitted comments on the changes and circulated to Councillors.

CADRA had written to Matt Rodda MP regarding the abandonment of the Chilterns National Landscape (AONB) extension review. CADRA has asked him to consider the benefits that an extension of the Chilterns National Landscape could bring to Reading - CADRA Letter. We are pleased that Matt Rodda agreed with CADRA and has asked Mary Creagh MP to review the situation - Matt Rodda's Letter to her.

ROAD WORKS PEPPARD ROAD

Reading Borough Council have received a request for closure of Peppard Road between 15th September 2025 and 1st January 2026 to facilitate gas mains replacements along the length of Peppard Road. The initial closure will remain in place between 15th Sept to 31st Oct, after which the works will progress northward in shorter sections, with appropriate traffic management (e.g., temporary traffic lights). RBC have been working to ensure other known shortcuts and local routes remain open and unaffected by traffic management (Rotherfield Way, Hemdean Road, Lowfield Road, Oakley Road & Priest Hill).

NORTH READING BUSES 

The roadworks noted above will have an impact on the 25 and 25a. When travelling towards Sonning Common the buses will be diverting via Hemdean Road, Rotherfield Way, Evesham Road to resume the normal route from The Pond bus stop on Buckingham Drive. Buses travelling towards Reading will be diverting via Evesham Road, Rotherfield Way, Hemdean Road to resume normal route from Westfield Road bus stop along Gosbrook Road.

CADRA is pleased to see that after a successful trial period over summer, the £1.50 short-hop fare between Caversham Centre to Central Reading will remain. This applies to all buses from Caversham Library including pink 22/25, berry 23/24, little berries 27/29, and from Westfield Road on Aqua 28. 

CADRA notes that a number of residents are saying the number 28 bus is very crowded on the early morning routes to Henley. If this is affecting you, please let Reading Buses know as this is the best way to ensure that sufficient capacity is laid on for the route - customerservices@reading-buses.co.uk

ST PETER’S CHURCH ROOF

St Peters Church has identified that tiles are slipping off the main church roof, directly over the churchyard path. Residents will notice when they walk through the churchyard that the Church has cordoned off the danger area, closing the tarmac path. The Church understands the inconvenience to residents. It is planning to install snow guards soon, to catch any falling tiles. They hope to then move the fencing back and partially re-open that path. The Church will look to repair the roof in due course, which is likely to be expensive and they envisage it will require the Church to apply for a grant(s) and maybe fund raise from the community and beyond. 

RBC CONSULTATIONS - CLIMATE EMERGENCY STRATEGY 2025-2030

This is your opportunity to influence Reading’s Climate Strategy. The closing date for the survey is October 3rd. If you would like to find out more about the topic, then residents have the opportunity to attend an open meeting with the Chair and Leads of the Climate Partnership on Thursday 18th September from 5pm-6pm in the main council chamber - Complete the Survey

NORTH READING SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM (NRSNF)

The location and venue of the meeting on Oct 2nd is yet to be confirmed. This is your opportunity to meet the local police team and the officer(s) from Reading Borough Council. Keep an eye on our Facebook account for confirmation of the event.

READING SMALL BOATS HEAD

Reading Small Boats Head event takes place on Saturday 11th October 2025. Head races are time trials and the fastest boat over the 3.5km course will be the winner. The boats will race from Tilehurst to the finish on Thames Promenade. Expect to see local clubs and schools battle it out on the river. It is a tricky course to navigate and those crews with good steering or local knowledge have a real advantage. It is free to spectate. 

READING FESTIVAL

We are formulating our wash-up notes for Reading Festival. In general the number of complaints that CADRA received this year were relatively low. If there are any issue that you would like us to be aware of, then please let us know.

MEMBERS' CONCERNS

Wildfire Risk

CADRA was contacted by residents and an affiliated group regarding the risk of wildfire following the prolonged period of dry weather. CADRA has spoken to Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) and RBC officers about this risk and we are pleased to say that it was agreed that the  normal conservation grass cutting schedule would be brought forward to reduce this risk.

Balmore Walk Steps

A visually impaired resident has contacted CADRA to discuss the state of the steps that lead from near to the Last Crumb to Balmore Walk. Having visited the site, CADRA has contacted RBC to ask if action can be taken to stop soil falling onto the steps and to improve the handrail. RBC officers have kindly said that they will visit the site to see what (if anything) can be done.

Last Crumb Crossing

CADRA notes that residents continue to contact us regarding the safety of the junction near the Last Crumb which forms the junction of Prospect St, Peppard Rd, Henley Rd and Westfield Rd. And residents have recently started a petition, which we support and previously reported.

This is not the first petition, there was an earlier one, which was also supported by CADRA and Matt Rodda MP. Following that petition, the junction was added to RBC’s Traffic Management Measures Principle List of potential improvements – Items on the list in North Reading. 

£100,000 of the Vistry Group’s CIL S106 contribution for the Golf Cub development has been allocated to upgrade the traffic lights with the aim of improving traffic flow. CADRA has been told that this is just a small part of what will be required for what is likely to be a ‘very expensive improvement’ to a wide and complex junction.

MEMBERSHIP PRICE INCREASE

The price increase that was agreed at the AGM will be introduced from the 1st October. This is the last chance to join CADRA at the old rates - Join Us