A proposed development to build 80 flats on the car park of Tesco Extra in Portman Road, West Reading, has been put on hold after the planning application was officially withdrawn.
The project, which first emerged in 2023, was submitted by developer Ridgepoint Homes under planning reference PL/23/1041. It has now been withdrawn, according to Reading Borough Council records, with the latest update on 18 March 2026.
Details of the Proposed Development
The plan involved constructing a new apartment building on part of the existing Tesco Extra supermarket car park. It included:
- 74 two-bedroom flats
- 6 one-bedroom flats
The development aimed to provide much-needed housing in West Reading while making use of underutilised car park space. Some of the flats were expected to be designated as affordable housing.
Why the Plan Was Withdrawn
No official reason has been publicly stated by the developer or the council for withdrawing the application. The last supporting documents were submitted in December 2023, and no further progress was made until the withdrawal earlier this month.
Local residents and community groups had previously raised concerns about loss of parking spaces at the busy Tesco store, increased traffic in the area, and the impact on local infrastructure.
What Happens Next?
At present, there is no indication whether Ridgepoint Homes plans to submit a revised application in the future. The Tesco Extra store and its car park continue to operate as normal.
This development would have contributed to Reading’s ongoing efforts to increase housing supply in the borough, where demand for new homes remains high.
What do you think? Should more housing developments be built on supermarket car parks in Reading? Or is protecting parking and retail space more important? Share your views in the comments below.
![Plan for 80 Flats at Tesco Car Park in Reading Put on Hold: Application Withdrawn [2026 Update]](https://bollywoodview.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Img1763761-750x516-1.jpg)
FAQs
Q1. What happened to the plan for 80 flats at Tesco car park in Reading? The planning application has been officially withdrawn by the developer.
Q2. Where is the Tesco car park in question? It is the Tesco Extra store on Portman Road in West Reading.
Q3. Who submitted the original planning application? Ridgepoint Homes submitted the proposal (reference PL/23/1041).
Q4. How many flats were planned? 80 flats in total — 74 two-bedroom and 6 one-bedroom units.
Q5. Will the project be resubmitted in the future? There is currently no information on whether a revised application will be submitted.
