Panattoni secures planning at appeal for Theale development
Developer Panattoni has secured planning permission for its 100,000 ft2 plus two unit industrial and logistics scheme at Junction 12 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
THE PLANNING submission for the 106,453 ft2 scheme went to appeal after West Berkshire Council refused the scheme permission last year citing flood risk, large scale development near a predominantly residential area and harm to the setting of the High Street and Blossom Lane Conservation Area going against its own economic development team who had supported the development as reported in Logistics Matters.
Savills Economics and its Birmingham Development Team supported Panattoni during the Public Inquiry making the case for the need for more industrial and logistics space on a regional and sub-regional basis proving that the council’s evidence base had underestimated demand for industrial and logistics land in West Berkshire, and evidenced a higher demand for industrial and logistics floorspace.
The Inspector’s decision highlighted the planning benefits of making a much-needed reduction in the current shortfall, and the sizeable economic benefits associated with the scheme.
To be known as Panattoni Park Reading, the developer will bring forward two units of 50,329 sq ft and 56,124 sq ft built to achieve BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating, on a speculative basis.
Panattoni development director Alex Mitchell said: “Panattoni Park Reading will deliver high-specification, sustainable warehouse space into the Thames Valley, one of the most under-supplied logistics markets in the UK. By developing speculatively, we are ensuring that space will be ready to meet occupier requirements at pace. At the same time, the project will generate new employment opportunities and deliver tangible benefits for the local community. We are really looking forward to bringing forward the development.”
Panattoni first sought planning for the site in 2020 and had revised its plans twice before this application.
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026, with practical completion expected in February 2027.
Joint agents are Hatch Real Estate, Savills and Lambert Smith Hampton.
