A FORMER movie theatre in Wokingham town centre is set to be turned into 22 new homes.
The site, which more recently occupied Ritz bingo, is on 9 Easthampstead Road and also features offices, a gym, studios and more.
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Planning permission was granted to developers at a meeting on Wednesday, November 13, meaning the existing building will be demolished to make way for the new homes.
A revamped four-storey structure will feature one studio, five one-bedroom flats, 14 two-bedroom homes and two three-bedroom spaces, with five of these being made affordable.
A ground floor car park and communal garden will also be added.
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Plans were given the go-ahead despite objections from Wokingham Town Council and seven neighbours, who were concerned about the height of the building and additional traffic around the area.
Parking provision for the site was deemed to be “non-compliant” but “acceptable”, as 23 spaces are set to be created.
Councillor Maria Gee, ward member for Wescott, also objected to the proposal, listing worries about light pollution, the change from office space to residential use and more.
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Her comment read: “This site would be suitable for some residential use if the above points are addressed.
“The site is central to town and has good transport links.
“The current use is not the best that could be made of the site, and I would welcome a proposal that serves both immediate neighbours and the wider community in a better way.”
Despite these concerns, planning bosses suggested the redevelopment of the site was “satisfactory” and respects the Wokingham Conservation Area and two nearby listed buildings.
A previous proposal from developers for 27 homes was thrown out in September 2019 but applicants have appealed this refusal.
Officers told councillors at a meeting of the planning committee that developers would drop the appeal if the new application was approved.
Members voted unanimously in favour of giving the revamped the proposal the all-clear.
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