John Lewis Partnership has submitted plans for a major residential development above the Waitrose store in West Ealing, London, with no decision yet from the council.
- The planning application includes 428 homes, incorporating 83 affordable rental units, enhancing community housing options.
- Ealing Council’s decision delay has prompted John Lewis to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate due to non-determination concerns.
- The development is part of John Lewis’s strategy to diversify its income and build 10,000 homes over the next decade.
- Katherine Russell of John Lewis highlighted the project’s potential to rejuvenate a brownfield site near a key transport link.
John Lewis Partnership is seeking to advance its application to build 428 homes atop the Waitrose store in West Ealing, with 83 of these designated as affordable housing. This move is intended to address local housing shortages and invest in community infrastructure.
Nearly a year since its submission, the planning application has yet to receive a verdict from Ealing Council. The drawn-out process has led John Lewis to petition the Planning Inspectorate to progress the matter, citing a lack of determination as the primary concern.
The proposed redevelopment forms a cornerstone of John Lewis’s broader strategy to branch out from its traditional retail business. Over the coming decade, the partnership plans to develop 10,000 homes, diversifying its revenue streams beyond shopping outlets.
Katherine Russell, Build-to-Rent Director at John Lewis, expressed the firm’s commitment to the development, stating, “We have taken the decision to appeal for non-determination of our planning application… given the opportunity to transform an under-used brownfield site close to the publicly funded Crossrail station with new homes and investment that will benefit the wider community.”
In alignment with its strategy, John Lewis has launched a £500m joint venture with Abrdn, a leading investment company. This collaboration includes projects in both West Ealing and Bromley, along with plans to replace a defunct warehouse in Reading.
Under the leadership of Dame Sharon White, who announced plans to step down in October 2023, the company aims for a significant portion of its profits to come from non-retail ventures by 2030.
John Lewis’s expansion plans demonstrate a proactive approach to evolving market conditions, capitalising on its extensive property portfolio while addressing vital community needs.
John Lewis Partnership’s appeal marks a pivotal step in its ambitious housing initiative, reflecting its commitment to societal contributions and economic diversification.
