Planning delays threaten affordable flats in John Lewis rental scheme
Planning consultants told Reading councillors that the development ‘would cost more to build than it is worth on paper’
Register to get 1 more free article
Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
John Lewis Partnership has warned that affordable housing could be cut from its planned rental scheme in Reading if council delays and funding demands make the project financially unviable, The Telegraph has reported.
The news comes after the retailer has already reduced the scheme from 215 to 170 homes following local concerns about pressure on services. It had pledged that 10% of the flats would be let at lower rents.
Planning consultants reportedly told Reading councillors that the development “would cost more to build than it is worth on paper”.
They added that the company “would not be able to viably provide any affordable housing” unless the council approved the plans “within a reasonable timeframe”.
Building consultants DS2, which reviewed the project, also warned that further requests for funding contributions for services could lead to “a reconsideration of the affordable housing final commitment”.
The application was submitted almost a year ago and is still under negotiation. Developers across England now face an average wait of 515 days for Section 106 agreements, which cover contributions to infrastructure such as schools, roads and affordable homes.
John Lewis has faced opposition in Reading, including from NHS officials concerned about the impact on GP services. The company is in talks with Reading Council over payments to support local infrastructure.
The revised scheme includes 79 one-bedroom, 81 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom flats. John Lewis has also made design changes and added green space.
According to Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent at John Lewis Partnership, the aim was to create a development that “benefits the community”.
A John Lewis spokesman told Retail Sector: “We’re committed to providing as much affordable housing for Reading as is viable. We’re working constructively with the council on our plans to transform this brownfield site with high-quality rental homes.”
The Reading development is one of three build-to-rent projects being pursued by the retailer. Others in West Ealing and Bromley have faced setbacks and local opposition before winning approval.
