Ikea to submit plans for Calcot store
The homeware chain has formally announced that it will lodge plans for a branch near junction 12 of the M4
SWEDISH furniture giant Ikea has announced it is to lodge a planning application for a new store in Calcot, which would create up to 400 jobs, imminently.
The firm plans to redevelop a number of derelict and rundown retail and leisure units at the proposed location for the store in Pincents Lane Retail Park, Calcot.
The move follows an extensive consultation process with residents, which saw over 500 people attend four public consultations, which garnered more than 700 responses.
A four hectare site has been earmarked, and the proposals include scope for an associated restaurant and parking facilities, as well as those found in a typical Ikea offering, including a market hall, showroom and warehouse, as well as a crèche, staff facilities and customer services areas.
There will be 1,287 parking spaces, as well as additional bus and coach parking areas.
The site is located near to junction 12 of the M4, and will be accessed via an improved A4 Bath Road, Pincents Lane, Dorking Way junction.
Since the public exhibitions in September, Ikea has actively worked with West Berkshire Council and the Highways Agency to discuss and agree potential improvements to the highway in the vicinity of the store.
The project manager for the proposed store, Jack Jackson, said that the company was delighted to reach the stage of submitting a planning application this week, and had put tremendous effort into the compilation of appropriate plans and studies to support its application.
“We believe that our application meets all national and local planning guidelines. We have also shown how Ikea would contribute to the local economy and jobs market in West Berkshire and Reading and we look forward to working with the people of that area in developing and operating our store” he said.
Critics of the development, including the Save Calcot Action Group, and the members of a Facebook group called “No to IKEA Calcot” argue that the impact of the increased traffic will cause havoc on the already busy A4 road.
