John Lewis flats scheme set for planning decision

A facility run by John Lewis in Reading that was used for customers to collect items is set to be completely demolished and replaced with flats.

The company used to run a customer collection centre where people could come and collect orders, from large items such as kitchen appliances to new phones, clothing and the other products it sells.

However, the facility was deemed surplus to requirements and closed in 2022.

The John Lewis Partnership has plans to enter the property market as a build-to-rent housing provider.

In Reading, this involves demolishing the customer collections depot and replacing it with an 11-storey building containing 215 apartments.

These are made up of 111 one-bed, 92 two-bed and 12 three-bed flats.

Of those, 10 one-bed and four two-bed properties would be accessible.

John Lewis said 49% were "family-sized" and 10% would be provided at affordable rent levels.

Additionally, future occupants would benefit from flexible work-from-home spaces, a gym or fitness studio and communal lounge and dining areas.

Planning documents also state that a certain amount of the apartments will be reserved for key workers such as healthcare staff and emergency service personnel.

The project is a major application, and is therefore likely to be decided by the council's planning applications committee.

News of the scheduled decision comes as John Lewis is closing its Delivery Hub in Arrowhead Road, Theale, on 19 July.

The company retains its department store at the Heelas building in Broad Street, which took over the former Heelas store in 1953.

Any redevelopment of the site in Theale would require planning consent from West Berkshire Council, which is the local planning authority for the village.

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