Planning permission has been given to Sovereign Housing Association to create a unique £1m rural housing project in the village of Bradfield Southend, near Reading, West Berkshire.

Lea House, formerly a 3 bedroom house, will be redeveloped into five new flats, with the unique addition of a convenience store and post office.

The decision follows extensive consultation since 2004 when Bradfield’s original village store was converted into a house. Local campaigners pressed for new retail facilities and for three years a temporary shop has been run from a portacabin in a car park.

Heather Bowman , Projects Director, of Sovereign Housing Association, said: “By consulting with the villagers we were not only able to provide affordable housing, but also help meet their wider needs - a key part of our Neighbourhood Investment Strategy. The new convenience store and post office will be let to the Bradfield Village Store Association for a token rent.”

Julie Noakes, Secretary of the Bradfield Southend Village Store Association, said: “This is a very exciting prospect for us and we are so pleased our plans are now coming to fruition.”

Building is scheduled to start late summer 2008 after tenders for the works have been submitted and the contractors have been appointed. In addition to benefitting from modern methods of construction, the Lea House development will have a low cost heating and energy management system.

Quentin Webb, West Berkshire district councillor for Bradfield Southend, said: “A lot of thought has gone into this project and there have been some lengthy discussions. It’s pleasing that our community was properly consulted and in turn Sovereign has well deserved support.”

Michael Dalton, Head of External Relations at Post Office Limited, said: “At a time when the Post Office network is facing significant challenges, this project will not only provide the unique combination of affordable housing that people want, but also help maintain post office services for the community of Bradfield Southend. We are delighted to give our support.”

Published 8 April 2008
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