Digital Ad Screen Approved for Former Pub

A digital advertising screen is set to be installed on the side of a former pub in a busy area of Reading.

A digital advertising screen is set to replace the old advertising board on the side of a former pub in Reading.

The Wellington Arms in Katesgrove closed in 2012 and became a Greggs in 2018, which shut down in February 2024, making way for the Turkish Halal Food Centre.

Wildstone Estates submitted a plan for a digital screen to replace the paper sheet that has been there since the pub's days. Initially, Reading Borough Council's planning department rejected the proposal last December.

However, the decision was overturned following an appeal to the government’s planning inspectorate. The appeal officer, Indermaur, found no evidence that the screen would distract drivers, contrary to council claims.

The digital screen will show only static images, updating every 10 seconds, and will default to a blank screen if there’s an issue. Inspector Walker approved the decision.

Reading planning officer Gary Miles noted that the inspector believed the digital display would fit in with its surroundings, though he acknowledged concerns about visual clutter in the Christchurch Conservation Area.

Micky Leng, lead councillor for planning, expressed mixed feelings about the outcome, stating, "This one, yes, is disappointing but understandable at the same time, so there’s a balance."

To view the approved application, check reference PL/24/1345 on the council’s planning portal, and for the appeal decision, use reference APP/E0345/Z/25/3359854 on the planning inspectorate website.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter