Retail giant John Lewis has been given the green light to build its first ever block of flats in a glowing milestone for the company. Bromley Council has approved the plans for the development of 353 rental flats above an existing Waitrose shop in London, paving the way for further developments across the UK. Critics have complained that the proposed development does not contain enough affordable homes, with less than 10% of the units considered affordable.
The development includes energy efficient flats in a 24-storey block featuring a mix of one to three bedroom units along with the renovation of the existing Waitrose. Despite facing opposition, the company has been overwhelmed by public support for the venture, with it claiming to have received 147 letters supporting the scheme, significantly more than those opposing it.
John Lewis director, Katherine Russell, highlighted the potential to regenerate the local area following its landmark approval, as well as to significantly boost council tax and local investment in the development’s first 10 years. Investment firm abrdn is working with John Lewis to develop 1,000 homes across three sites, one of which is the newly approved Bromley scheme.
Liberal Democrat councillor, Julie Ireland, criticised the lack of affordable housing in the scheme as “frankly derisory”, as it does not conform to council and mayoral offices’ guidelines recommending that 35% of housing in all major developments should be considered affordable. She also expressed concerns over how the development would add to existing congestion and worsen road traffic and the train network in the area.
John Lewis originally announced its plans to venture into the expansive UK housing market in 2020 under its former CEO, Dame Sharon White, who aimed to diversify the retailer’s revenue streams
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