Police have raised “significant concerns” over John Lewis’ plan to transform a former warehouse site in Reading into 215 new rental homes.

Thames Valley Police warned the layout of the proposed £80m housing development puts it at risk of “graffiti, antisocial behaviour [and] inappropriate loitering”, The Telegraph reported.

The police said John Lewis’ plans for a neighbourhood garden in the project that would be open to the general public was at risk of attracting antisocial behaviour.

It said in a submission to Reading Council:  “Similar spaces located in the surrounding area have suffered from undesirable use and antisocial behaviour.”

As a result, police have urged the department store chain to change the design of its development for the centre of Reading.

It is the latest challenge for John Lewis’ rental housing push. It plans for a 353-flat development in Bromley was approved in July despite local opposition.

The retailer was forced to launch an appeal to speed up the decision process for its project in West Ealing in west London, claiming the councillors were taking too long to make a decision.

A spokesman for John Lewis Partnership told The Telegraph: “Any planning application of this scale will receive comments from different parties, which we welcome as part of an open and comprehensive consultation process.

“This build-to-rent community will have a 24/7 operational team led by our partners, which will maximise on-site security at all times.

“Crucially, the scheme is designed to promote wellbeing, foster a sense of community and offer vital new rental housing to Reading on an under-used brownfield site at a time where the town desperately needs additional supply.”

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