The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has submitted plans to Reading Borough Council to build new rental housing on the site of a disused town centre depot.
The firm and its partner abrdn would spend more than £80m to create 215 homes opposite the Oracle shopping centre, of which a tenth would be affordable.
The JLP said it had worked closely with council planning officers and local people on the scheme, which also includes two green spaces and shared areas for fitness and home working.
If approved, construction would start in early 2026, with residents moving in by 2028.
Director of build-to-rent Katherine Russell said: ‘By revitalising brownfield land we have a fantastic opportunity to provide a significant number of homes which can help alleviate some of the growing pressure on Reading’s housing market.’
Reading’s planning committee is set to consider the planning application early next year.
Last month, a development in Bromley became the first residential scheme by the JLP to get the go-ahead from a council.
In Ealing, the firm has appealed to the planning inspectorate over the council’s failure to decide on permission for another housing site.
