19-21 Market Place Plans have been displayed to re-develop 19-21 Market Place, by retaining the façade of the
Market House occupied by Edinburgh Wool Mill but replacing the frontage of Lloyds Bank and Robert Dyas, together
with building 60 apartments in four-story blocks behind these new retail units. Members of the Executive Committee
of the Wokingham Society were invited to a presentation of the proposals and have subsequently viewed the online
plans at https://www.architectureinitiative.com/19-21-market-place.
“The Committee’s submission to the developers can be seen here and is similar
to its response to the planning application itself. The application was considered by the Planning Committee on
Wednesday 14 February. The Officer recommendation was for approval. At the meeting some Committee members expressed
concern at the lack of affordable housing, the height of No 21 in relation to No 2 Market Place, the Community
Gardens and Sale Garden Cottages, and the impact on Howard Road in respect of additional traffic and parking. These
issues notwithstanding, the application was approved. In her presentation, the Planning Consultant for the
applicants stressed that they were in consultation with Lloyds Bank, Robert Dyas and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill to
find alternative premises for them. It is understood that Robert Dyas does not intend to leave the town, but Lloyds
has given notice that it will close on 8 July, following a review of a long list of branches considered for
closure.”