Six years of industrial reports put planning system in the spotlight

Problems in the planning system have been highlighted as the stand out theme in six years of reports on Reading’s Industrial market.

Haslams Chartered Surveyors has compiled its six annual reports on the town’s industrial scene going back to 2014 into a single document.

Partner Neil Seager said it is noticeable how the completed document reveals the increasing pace of change since 2014.

But he added: “A theme across all the reports is the planning system which still is not responsive or up to date.

“One suggestion we mention is simplified planning zones for commercial development.

“I still think this would be a good solution where appropriate. Slough is an excellent example of how this can successfully work to short circuit inward investment.

“Nationally, the use classes also need revision but, given the potential knock-on implications, any change in this regard needs thorough full stakeholder consultation.”

Copies are available free by emailing Tanya Le Sueur at tanyalesueur@haslams.co.uk