Decision due on Reading employment scheme

Plans to bring forward more than 46,000 sq ft of employment space in Reading are set to go before committee next week.The application concerns a site on the south side of Bennet Road, opposite the junction with Commercial Road, and is known as Bennet Court.It currently comprises two red-brick R-shaped office buildings, both two storeys in height.Plot one comprises a building accommodated by tech-integrated workspace provider Aura in unit one and charity collection and clothing distribution firm The Cowshed in unit two.Plot two’s building accommodates Black Box Network Solutions in unit three, Aura again in unit four and printing services firm Press to Print in unit five.Permission is firstly sought for the demolition of both buildings as part of the redevelopment of the site to provide a single industrial building.Permission is flexibly sought for three possible uses, namely industrial processes, general industrial, or storage or distribution uses.The proposed gross internal area of the building would be 46,370 sq ft.Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency (REDA) – Reading Council’s partner organisation for the delivery of economic development services, including employment and skills provision – welcomed the continued use of the development site for commercial purposes.”It is hoped that maintaining this space for future business use, with all the employment opportunities this will bring, will create more jobs and training opportunities for residents – particularly in south Reading,” said a report drawn up ahead of Reading Council’s planning committee meeting.The application has been recommended for approval.