John Lewis submits plans for Reading BTR

The John Lewis Partnership has submitted a planning application to Reading Borough Council to transform its former distribution warehouse on Mill Lane into a 251-home build-to-rent scheme.  The proposed £80m regeneration would comprise one-, two- and three-bedroom homes plus 6,000 sq ft of internal amenity space – including space for community use – two gardens and improved public realm.  The scheme would provide 10% affordable homes at Reading Local Housing Allowance levels.  Katherine Russell, director of BTR for the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We have worked closely with Reading Council’s planning officers, local residents and organisations to propose a scheme that will benefit residents and the wider community by transforming a disused industrial site into a thriving rental community. “By revitalising brownfield land we have a fantastic opportunity to provide a significant number of homes which can help alleviate some of the growing pressure on Reading’s housing market. These will be homes not only developed by us, but managed by us, meaning we can offer quality service and a guarantee that homes will not be sold off, as so often happens in the rental market.” Image from John Lewis Partnership