The good and the bad of the local property scene were in evidence last week.
While we cannot ignore world events, the local ones have been significant in their respective patches.
How things could get so bad with no-one noticing remains a key question. It seems officers came and went quickly but accountability must rest somewhere.
As Reading’s Station Hill developer celebrates breaking ground, a neat addition of 103 flats next door to the section fronting Friar Street, along with some decent, active frontages, looks a positive move by Shaviram – even if it is yet more BTR. Unusually, the Cosmo restaurant, which will lose its home, has signed up to return in the new scheme.
We also saw crunch time in one of the bitterest of battles, the plans for 223 homes at the former Reading Golf Club in Emmer Green, where two former councillors spoke at the key planning meeting, one for each side.
Former Labour Mayor of Reading Richard Stainthorp argued in favour while former Conservative ward councillor Clare Grashoff argued against.
But things got stranger as one campaigner against began her speech by apologising to children who might have been listening before giving a doomsday account of what she believes is happening to the Earth’s environment.
Catcalls and heckles occurred throughout the meeting and a representative of the developer told protesters what he thought of their ‘haranguing’ of a council officer.
The scheme won councillors’ approval although there remains a small possibility it will be called in. But meanwhile the developer’s previously-refused application for 257 homes on the same site is at appeal.
Many, including us, were surprised to hear of the acquisition of McKay Securities. McKay had long been a friendly and approachable firm which always responded to our enquiries and generally seemed remarkably successful. We hope that continues under its new management.
And UK Property Forums is also widening its offer. Our video skills are being tested as we seek to incorporate short interviews with figures from the property world. Our team can now boast a mix of youth and experience, something football managers seem to insist is key.
You’ll see our results soon.
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