Simplified planning zone (SPZ) scheme 2024 - 2034
The SPZ is a specialised planning permission that applies across most of Slough Trading Estate. It sets out a range of conditions that have to be met in order that some types of development, mostly datacentres, warehouses and research and development centres, can be built without the need to apply for an individual planning permission.
The Slough Trading Estate continues to play an important role in Slough’s economic success, by attracting and retaining investment in the town, funding local services through business rates, supporting business growth and creating jobs for local people. It is home to 350 businesses which employ over 15,000 people and generates over £49 million every year in business rates.
The Slough Trading Estate has been an SPZ for the last 30 years, and as a result has been able to be adapt with the times to provide businesses with the space, infrastructure and amenities they need to be successful.
We want this success to continue for future generations, but to do this we must create a sustainable and high-quality business destination that meets the requirements of our customers, their employees and our local community. A new SPZ for Slough Trading Estate will deliver even more benefits for the local community and will continue creating the confidence that drives businesses to locate and remain in our town.
This SPZ was adopted on 12th November 2024 by the Local Planning Authority following the Cabinet meeting on 21st October 2024 in which the adoption of the SPZ Scheme was voted on for approval, and will expire on 11th November 2034. The SPZ Scheme has a Section 106 Agreement; both of which relate to the SPZ boundary which defines the extent of the SPZ, shown on SPZ Plan 1.
Details of the current scheme, including the area covered by the SPZ and the types of development permitted are found below. The plans and appendices are separate documents (due to their file size) but are a part of the SPZ Scheme.
SPZ Scheme- Slough Trading Estate - 2024 – 2034 - Adopted 12th November 2024
SPZ Scheme - Slough Trading Estate - 2024 - 2034 - Plans & Appendices
Right to challenge the Adoption for 6 weeks (24th November – 27th December 2024)
The rules of adopting the SPZ give 6 weeks for the adoption to be challenged on specified grounds. An extract of the legal wording for this is below, and the full notice was published in the Gazette, and the Slough Express on Friday 15th November and Friday 22nd November. Paper copies of the documents are available to view during office hours at Slough Borough Council, Observatory House; SEGRO’s office at 258 Bath Road; and Slough Museum- during opening hours.
The proposals become operative on their adoption, but any person aggrieved by the proposals who desires to question their validity on the grounds that they are not within the powers conferred by Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or that any requirement of that Act or of any regulation made under it has not been complied with in relation to the adoption of the proposals, may, six weeks from 15th November 2024, make an application to the High Court under section 287 of the 1990 Act.
The Notice of proposed adoption of proposals can be found on The Gazette website.