John Lewis approved for new rental homes.

The John Lewis Partnership has been given the green light to transform its Waitrose site in Bromley into a cutting-edge residential community comprising 353 energy-efficient rental homes and a revamped store. This exciting development has been approved by the London Borough of Bromley, following the recommendation of planning officers, who received overwhelming support from 147 local residents backing the project.

The proposed ‘build to rent’ homes will be developed, owned, and managed by JLP, with a keen focus on prioritising local residents for tenancy. The initiative is set to inject an estimated £70 million into the local economy over the first decade through increased council tax revenue and local spending once the homes are occupied.

In addition to the residential units, the plans include new public green spaces, a café, and communal areas for local community groups and schools to utilise. Moreover, the development will feature cycle and pedestrian links connecting it to the High Street and surrounding areas, promoting accessibility and sustainability.

London’s planning policy underscores the importance of building homes on brownfield sites in well-connected and sustainable locations like Waitrose Bromley, situated beside Bromley South Rail Station in the town centre and at a strategic road junction.

The purpose-built rental homes will offer shared facilities for fitness, home-working, and socialising, catering to varying household sizes with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units. The development will strive to incorporate as much affordable housing as financially viable, with options for long-term tenancies to provide residents with stability and security.

Katherine Russell, Director of BTR at the John Lewis Partnership, expressed her delight at the approval, stating, “We’re thrilled that the council members have endorsed the recommendations and received significant support from the Bromley community. This project presents a unique opportunity to enrich the local area, provide essential housing for Bromley residents, and deliver an exceptional Waitrose at the heart of the neighbourhood.”

James Dunne, Head of Operational Real Estate at abrdn, which partners with JLP in a £500 million joint venture to develop 1,000 new homes across three local communities, including Bromley, emphasised the significance of well-designed rental properties in addressing the UK’s housing needs. He highlighted that build-to-rent developments on brownfield sites can serve as catalysts for town centre revitalization and community investment, underscoring the commitment to advancing their strategic vision.