GOOD FOR THE AREA

Plans to build a £500m development around Reading FC’s football ground have been approved.

The proposed Royal Elm Park,which will be situated next to the Madejski Stadium, includes 600 homes, a convention centre, a 246-bed hotel, an ice rink, leisure facilities and restaurants, and could create about 1,000 jobs.

The deputy council leader, Mr Page, who leads strategic environment, planning and transport, added: “I and all my colleagues on the council are concerned to ensure that it remains a package of measures that benefits the club.”