Flats are a step closer for former bank

PRIOR approval for plans that could see the site of a former bank in Wokingham town centre turned into housing has been granted.

As reported by Wokingham Today on September 5 last year, plans were submitted for the former NatWest premises on Broad Street that could see the property developed into nine flats and two commercial spaces.

Wokingham town councillors had raised concerns that town centre shops and businesses are being replaced by homes.

One neighbour had questioned whether there would be enough parking.

Plans said there will only be six off-street parking spaces for residents – fewer than the minimum that Wokingham Borough Council said there should be for nine homes.

Rose Street resident Kerrie Paxton questioned whether this would be enough, in a comment submitted to planning officers.

She said: “Where are all these new residents going to park?

“I have no objection to the conversion, but the council needs to be sensible about the available parking. There is already not enough for the residents on Rose Street.”

Planning officers noted the flats would be within easy walking distance of bus stops, Wokingham railway station and public car parks, and also included 15 bicycle spaces.

They also said that the building would need more than nine parking spaces if it remained as a business.

Wokingham Town Council’s planning committee said it backed the plans – but added some of its councillors had concerns that the town centre is becoming more residential with a loss of commercial businesses.

But Wokingham Borough’s planning officers said that, as the plan still included space for a business, it would ‘ preserve the character and sustainability’ of the town centre.

The bank closed its doors for the final time in February 2023.

Wokingham Today understands the property was placed on the market for offers in the region of £1 million.