Talks due on green haven's future

The council has said it will find some use for the historic lido

Plans to set in stone the protected future of a riverside green haven will go before council bosses before the end of the month.

A new planning document setting out how the Caversham Lock area of Reading, Berkshire, should be developed is to be debated on 20 March.

It outlines the council's plans for King's Meadow, Caversham Lock Island, View Island and Hill's Meadow.

The future of the area has been the focus of local concern in the past.

Historic lido

Seven weeks of consultation have been carried out on the new "development principles".

John Howarth, lead councillor for strategic planning, said: "The council has always been committed to protecting open spaces and this document will underpin the council's track record of expanding and improving King's Meadow."

The council has vowed to protect King's Meadow as public open space, to find a use for the historic lido at the site and to develop visitor facilities on Caversham Lock Island.

It has also drawn up plans to develop a major £25m riverside theatre at the Hill's Meadow car park site.