Works have now stopped at the hotel A hotel has stopped works to flatten out its cobbled courtyard, which is protected by listing, after the council intervened. Residents raised concerns after spotting works taking place at the Mercure George Hotel cobbled courtyard in the town centre, which is protected by Grade II listing. The works at 10-12 King Street are thought to have been aimed at making it easier to provide seating in the courtyard but listed building consent is required to make any changes. Councillor Tony Page, lead member for Planning at Reading Borough Council (RBC), said: “The authorities have agreed to suspend all work and reminded them of the fact it is a listed building and they will need listed building consent.