New industrial development proposed for Theale

A proposal for a new industrial development at Theale has been submitted to West Berkshire Council (WBC) for consideration.

CP Logistics UK Reading Propco Ltd applied last month for permission to build two light industrial employment units with associated enabling works, access from Hoad Way, parking and landscaping on undeveloped greenfield land between Theale High Street and the A4.

The applicant promises to deliver “significant investment” to the local economy by bringing new employment opportunities to the Theale area.

After withdrawing its previous application in January 2022, the applicant said it has consulted with specialist landscape and visual impact experts and with WBC and its landscape consultant.

The main changes have seen the number of units reduced from three to two — reducing the overall site footprint from 172,976 square feet to 103,815 square feet.

The proposal also includes 112 car parking spaces, plus provision for 40 bicycles.

The council’s Highways team responded to the proposal saying it “considers the proposed footpath from the development to Theale High Street as unacceptable” and said the proposed internal footways must include the provision of dropped kerbs and tactile paving.

National Highways requested further assessment and recommended WBC does not grant planning permission for the application until this is done so.

Residents also slammed the proposal over concerns about increased traffic and loss of visual amenity in the area.

Anne Downton said: “I object to this development as it will increase noise and traffic on an already busy roundabout.”

“The access road on Hoad Way will cause no end of traffic delays with extra traffic, no doubt, arriving through the High Street, which is hard to negotiate at the best of times,” added Janice Richardson.

James Nugent called the building designs “completely out of character for the village and surrounding space”, while Rachel Rose added: “This proposal seems utterly ridiculous when there are many buildings in Arlington Business Park and Theale Industrial Estate which stand empty as it is.”

WBC is due to decide on the revised application by Wednesday, May 15.