Decision due on job-creating industrial scheme

Plans for the redevelopment of an existing industrial site in Wokingham – which would cover about 184,000 sq ft – are going back before committee later this week with a recommendation for approval.The application concerns a site within the Headley Road East area.Proposed is demolishing the existing buildings on the plot and replacing them with five speculative assets accommodating ten units and covering about 184,000 sq ft of space.A planning statement said that the development would have the potential to create 222 to 433 new jobs.This application was considered by Wokingham Council’s planning committee on 11 May and it was resolved to defer the determination. This was to allow members more time to understand the context of the site and undertake a visit to consider both the heritage aspects and environmental health issues raised more fully.A report drawn up ahead of the original meeting said: “Given the existing and proposed use and the associated increase in floor space, the scheme would help provide economic development within a designated area and is acceptable in principle.”The application has again been recommended for approval, with a decision due at the next meeting on 8 June.The site is currently occupied by Arlington Automotive, which is relocating to Suttons Business Park, Reading.