Izzy Lepone 10 October 2025

Council greenlights John Lewis rental home project

Council greenlights John Lewis rental home project image
© olesea vetrila / Shutterstock.com.

John Lewis’ plans to deliver 170 new homes in Reading have been unanimously supported by the council.

The £70m development was approved by Reading Borough Council’s planning applications committee at a meeting on Wednesday and will involve 170 rental flats being built on a former industrial site.

According to the John Lewis Partnership, the properties will consist of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with roughly 16% of the stock delivered as affordable homes.

Alongside the rental homes, the development will also provide gardens and community spaces, as well as indoor social and fitness areas.

The partnership has suggested that the scheme will produce over 170 jobs and £18m within the next 10 years in additional household spending and Council Tax.

Cllr Micky Leng reportedly said: ‘You can see the difference in the way John Lewis has engaged with us, because as a partnership they think long-term and put the community at the centre.’

Katherine Russell, Director of Build-To-Rent for the John Lewis Partnership, said the partnership was ‘delighted’ with the committee’s decision.

Ms Russell added: ‘This planning consent marks an important moment in our 70-year commitment to Reading and has been achieved through close collaboration with the Local Authority. We’re pleased to have the opportunity to invest further in the community by helping to deliver much-needed new homes.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Youth Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£31537 - £34434
About Us We believe in relationships that make a difference and creating the space for young people to feel seen, heard, and supported. If you’re passionate about supporting young people, this is where you belong. The Targeted Youth Support Service (TYS Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Civil Enforcement Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£25,989- £27,254 per annum
Are you looking for a role that allows you to earn whilst being outdoors across the district of North Yorkshire? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Housing Support Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£27,254 - £29,064 pro rata per annum
Are you passionate about making a difference? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner