Plans in for major Slough commercial scheme

Plans for a 79,000 sq ft commercial development in Slough – which would be expected to bring forward “a number of jobs” if it secures approval – have been revealed.The application concerns land on Horton Road, which currently comprises a pair of assets: Valerie House and Jupiter House.Valerie House is a detached three-storey building containing approximately 45,000 sq ft of storage and distribution uses and ancillary offices, while Jupiter House is a two-storey asset comprises about 27,350 sq ft of storage and distribution, light industrial and ancillary offices.The site benefits from extant permission, granted in April 2022. This is for 78,790 sq ft of commercial floorspace over six smaller units.A planning statement drawn up for the new venture notes that this provides a “clear legal fallback” having established that an “intensified employment use is acceptable and is an important part of the sites baseline in the consideration of this planning application”.An updated application – for 78,910 sq ft of commercial floorspace has now been submitted in response to occupier demand for HQ and last mile distribution centres to the west of London, which are built to grade A standards and high ESG credentials.The statement said: “At present, based on market intelligence, there is a very limited supply of units between 50,000 – 100,000 sq ft and a greater supply of smaller units in the local market.”Due to proximity to Heathrow Airport, a number of potential occupiers have requirements location-critical to the immediate area and which currently cannot be satisfied due to the lack of supply.”This updated application submitted is in direct response to that need.”The new venture would comprise a warehouse, ancillary office, five loading dock doors, a two-level access door, seven HGV parking spaces, 59 car parking spaces and 20 cycle spaces.The statement added: “There is a very strong and compelling planning case for approving the proposed development without delay.”One of the main reasons given for this was the scheme being “clearly a sustainable form of development” that would “deliver a number of jobs on site during the construction and operational phase”.”The application demonstrates that there will be no adverse impacts which significantly and demonstrably outweigh the planning benefits,” it said. “It is, therefore, concluded that for the reasons set out in this planning statement, there is a compelling case in favour of the grant of planning permission.”