The number of affordable homes has been reduced at two apartment blocks currently under construction near Reading town centre.

Back in March 2020, the council’s planning committee approved the council’s own plan to build 41 affordable homes on the site of the former Family Centre in North Street.

However, the council adapted its plan, reducing the number of homes by four to 37 apartments so that solar panels and air source heat pumps could be added to the development.

It means the site will now contain 17 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom and one three-bedroom units, with all of them being available for affordable rent.

READ MORE: Town landmark building that is home to Black History Mural could soon become flats

One of the floors in Block B has been removed so that the solar panels and air source heat pumps can be added.

But that has meant the loss of two one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units.

Reading Chronicle: What the 37 home block in North Street, Reading will look like once build. Credit: Coombes: Everitt ArchitectsWhat the 37 home block in North Street, Reading will look like once build. Credit: Coombes: Everitt Architects

Recommending approval, planning officer Ethne Humphreys concluded: “The proposals would result in a reduction of affordable housing units, which is a disbenefit of the scheme.

“However, this needs to be balanced against the opportunity to increase sustainability and energy benefits.

“It is considered that the benefits of increased sustainability energy generation and wider societal benefits would in this instance, outweigh the loss of four dwelling units.”

Officer Humphreys’ report also stated that the site in North Street has been used as a ‘surrogate site’ for affordable housing as no affordable homes were provided at the 335 apartment Thames Quarter development in Kings Meadow Road.

READ MORE: Plan to flatten Reading driving test centre thrown out again

The council houses in North Street were secured using the Section 106 developer contributions from Thames Quarter.

The reduction in the affordable apartments was unanimously approved by the planning committee on December 7.

Ellie Emberson (Labour, Coley) recused herself from voting as she is the lead councillor for housing.