Council poised to buy land

SLOUGH: Councillors are set to approve the purchase of a major piece of land in the town centre – which could bring up to 1,000 new homes.

The multi-million pound site – part of the former AkzoNobel factory area – would be used for new homes with hundreds being used for social and affordable housing, Slough Council says.

The former AkzoNobel site was acquired by development firm Panattoni and split into two areas – a commercial area and a residential area, the latter of which the council is looking to purchase.

The residential area is to the south of the site and, as well as homes, also has planning permission for a variety of retail alongside new public spaces, car parking and new roads and footpaths.

Cllr James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “By buying this land, we are in control over the destiny of the site, can direct it to provide the most benefit to residents and ensure it joins with other regeneration.”

The cost of buying the land would be met by borrowing, and use of the council’s capital budget. The proposed cost of the land is confidential.

Cabinet is being held on Monday, January 18 at 6.30pm .