Grounds of historic former BBC base to be opened up for the first time

The grounds of the historic former base of BBC Monitoring north of Reading are set to be opened for the first time in years as the site is due to host nearly 200 new homes.

The history of Caversham Park stretches back to 1066, when Walter Giffard, a relative of William the Conqueror, was granted the land after the Norman Conquest.

Years afterwards, it was passed to William Marshall, known as the greatest knight of the land, in the late 1100s, and died there in 1219.

More recently, it was occupied by BBC Monitoring and Radio, until the facility was closed in 2018.

Now, the grounds of the park and a total of 199 new homes will be created on the site in a landmark decision by Reading Borough Council.

Beechcroft Developments, a company specialising in luxury retirement communities, has had plans for Caversham Park since 2022.

READ MORE: Latest on transformational plan for former BBC site north of Reading

The project involves converting the Grade II listed mansion house into 65 assisted living units made up of 23 one-bed apartments, 40 two-bed apartments and two two-bed houses.

A mini museum will also be provided to reflect the park’s heritage.

Elsewhere on the site, Beechcroft will build a 64-bed care home,  12 age-restricted retirement dwelling houses contained within three two storey buildings, 29 age-restricted retirement dwellings for the over 55’s, and 27 affordable homes.

The site plan for the Caversham Park development. Credit: Beechcroft Developments / Savills

The project was decided on by the council’s planning applications committee.

Councillor Doug Cresswell (Green, Katesgrove) asked whether public access through the park would be provided for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchairs, with developer representatives replying that it would.

He also questioned whether a new access to the site could be created.

Cllr Cresswell said: “At a later date would you be open to potential entrances onto Lowfield Road?

“There are lots of schoolchildren that walk all the way around Caversham Park on the way to school, and if they could walk through that might be an improvement.”

A planning agent for Beechcroft replied: “Probably no, but that’s not because we wouldn’t want to, it’s because there’s a ransom strip which runs around the perimeter of the site, and the only access to Lowfield Road is at the point which we proposed it.”

A ransom strip is a piece of land that must be crossed to enable adjoining land to be developed.

The former BBC Monitoring Site at Caversham Park. Beechcroft Developments is seeking to convert it into a housing estate. Credit: Reading Borough Council

John Ennis lead councillor for climate strategy and transport welcomed the park being opened to public access, saying he has only been to the site on visits to the BBC.

Cllr Ennis (Labour, Southcote) said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the history there right before us.

“The north of Reading is a lovely area, and I say that as someone born and bred south of the Thames. It is a gorgeous place.

“I think it’s a really good development to see older people being able to live independently, more than 30 per cent affordable, bang, it ticks the boxes in the right places.”

Cllr Stephen Goss (Conservative, Emmer Green) argued that funding from the development should be invested into more bus services to and from the area.

Cllr James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) agreed that bus provision to the area could be improved, but conceded it could be a ‘chicken and egg’ situation with Reading Buses catering to demand once homes are occupied.

The transformation of Caversham Park was approved by the committee on Wednesday, June 26.

Of the 27 affordable homes,  14 will be available at  Reading Affordable Rent levels (two two-bed flats, six two-bed houses and six three-bed houses, eight will be available through shared ownership (five two-bed houses and three three-bed houses) and five two-bed flats at a discount market sale.

You can view approved projects by typing references 220409 and 220410 into the council’s planning portal.