NEWS

The latest property stories coming out of the Thames Valley

12/10/2018

Concern remains over Oxfordshire's 100,000 housing target

The delayed draft Local Plan for South Oxfordshire goes before councillors this week but there are concerns over whether the county can now meet its housing target. In May, South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) asked officers to reassess all its main sites for housing after controversy, particularly around the allocation of Chalgrove Airfield. Now, although three new sites – Grenoble Road, Bayswater Brook and Northfield - have been added, SODC expects to deliver fewer homes over the plan
12/10/2018

Reading's Clas Ohlson to be sole UK survivor

Reading’s Clas Ohlson store is to remain open despite an initial statement by the company saying it was to close all its branches in the UK and Germany. The shop at 61-64 Broad Street, a building owned by Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley, is to be the sole survivor of the cull of stores as the firm seeks to increase online sales. In a statement issued last week by the Swedish retailer, acting UK country manager Jon Peacock said: “We have decided to focus on an online strategy in the UK, as we
12/10/2018

Major mixed-use development for Reading

Plans have been submitted for offices, retail and a hotel within a striking 22-floor tower close to Reading station. No. 1 Reading, a £30 million mixed use scheme put forward by Station Road Dev Co Ltd for the long-neglected 29 – 35 Station Road site, will have a 135-room hotel with bar and restaurant, a retail unit and 1,685 sq m of offices. Station Road Dev Co is controlled by global hotel investors Frank Truman in partnership with Breithorn Developments and Legacy Hotels & Resorts. Broadway
12/10/2018

Driverless car firm fills St Aldates development

The final vacant space at a refurbishment project in Oxford has been taken by a driverless car developer. Five AI has taken 2,600 sq ft at 58,59 & 60 St Aldates on a five-year lease. The three buildings totalling 32,796 sq ft, were given a relaunch a year ago by owner Vantage Asset Management. Feature ceilings, LED lighting, air conditioning and areas have been added to create the modern Grade A space. Duncan May, associate director at agents VSL, said: “This development is proof that
12/07/2018

Vail Williams makes new Surrey acquisition

Vail Williams has made a new acquisition as it continues its expansion drive. The property consultancy and Thames Tap partner, has acquired Chertsey-based New Ballerino, which specialises in property acquisitions and disposals. Vail Williams, which already expanded in Surrey earlier this year when it took new offices in Woking, announced the November 30 acquisition as part of continued plans to grow its business operations across the south of England. New Ballerino brings a niche client base
12/06/2018

Sue Cuerden to head Basingstoke's property portfolio

Sue Cuerden is set to become the new boss of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s (D&DBC) £296 million property portfolio. The authority’s full council meets on December 13 when it is expected to confirm the appointment of Ms Cuerden as executive director of finance and resources. She replaces Kevin Jaquest who retired in June. The property portfolio is one of the largest among councils in England. Ms Cuerden, a qualified chartered management accountant with over 25 years’ experience in
12/06/2018

Judicial review may challenge Government's preferred option for the Expressway

Karen Jones, partner in Blandy & Blandy's planning & environmental law team, reviews the latest situation regarding the Government's Road Investment Strategy 2 and the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway in the light of a likely judicial review. The Government announced in 2015 that it was preparing its Road Investment Strategy 2 and that studies were required to identify the right investment decisions. One such strategic study was in respect of the Oxford to Cambridge expressway. A consultation by
12/05/2018

'Speed up the planning process'

A faster planning system was named as a Christmas wish of Blandy & Blandy partner Simon Dimmick when he addressed guests at UK Property Forums’ Figgy Pudding Christmas Lunch. Planning lawyer Mr Dimmick, winner of the Outstanding Contribution award at the Thames Valley Property Awards in May, was guest speaker for the Christmas event, attended by more than 70 property professionals at the Leander Club in Henley on Tuesday, December 4. He highlighted changes to CIL payments and compulsory

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Independent Property
NEWS & VIEWS

Reporting daily from the Thames Valley tvproperty.co.uk

News

Concern remains over Oxfordshire's 100,000 housing target

Reading's Clas Ohlson to be sole UK survivor

Major mixed-use development for Reading

Driverless car firm fills St Aldates development

Vail Williams makes new Surrey acquisition

Sue Cuerden to head Basingstoke's property portfolio

Judicial review may challenge Government's preferred option for the Expressway

'Speed up the planning process'