Thousands of approved homes in town remain undeveloped

Nearly 4,400 homes in a Berkshire town that have received planning approval remain unconstructed, a senior council member has described as "almost unbelievable." Reading Borough Council reported that out of 5,500 homes granted approval up to March 2025, construction has begun on just over one-fifth of them.

Micky Leng, the councils lead planning councillor, highlighted the "urgent demand for housing in the area." Among the homes pending construction are close to 400 affordable units, which Leng emphasized would greatly assist residents struggling to afford market prices.

Leng said: "Given the critical need for new housing, it is astonishing that 4,371 homes with full planning permission remain untouched by developers, yet this is the current situation in Reading. Multiple factors can explain why developers delay starting these projects."

He noted that many of the unbuilt homes are large apartment complexes, and developers often prioritize projects that can be completed more rapidly. Leng also claimed that some developers secure planning permission and hold onto sites, hoping to boost profits, which does not benefit the community.

The council aims to deliver 403 new council homes by the end of 2025 through its ongoing building programme. Planned developments include sites at Lyndhurst Road, North Street, and Arthur Hill.

Author: Natalie Monroe