Assael gets approval for 353 homes in redevelopment of Bromley Waitrose site | News

Assael has been granted planning permission for a 353-home scheme for the John Lewis Partnership.

The development will involve the demolition of an existing Waitrose store on the site, which is close to Bromley South station.

The homes will be built as part of a £500m joint venture between the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) and property company Abrdn, which they have formed in 2022 to deliver 1,000 homes in Bromley, West Ealing and Reading .

The scheme will deliver 323 built-to-rent homes and 30 will be London Living Rent. London Living Rent units will offer reduced rental rates, up to 50% lower than comparable houses on the open market.

A report by the Greater London Authority published last October noted that “given the scale of development proposed on the site, the level of affordable housing is significantly below expectations”.

>> See also: John Lewis to appeal to planning inspectorate for decision on 428-home rental development

The report presented to the development control committee yesterday acknowledged that while the 10% affordable housing supply is significantly below policy expectations, the applicant has demonstrated through financial viability testing that the proposed development will result in a significant financial shortfall.

It also stated that their supply of affordable housing exceeds the maximum viable amount.

The council’s report also stated that “officers place very substantial weight on the significant contribution that the proposed 353 housing units would make in the context of councils’ current inability to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land and the recent failure to deliver housing. Test.”

JLP will own and manage the homes and said local residents will be given priority for new build rental properties.

The development will comprise three buildings and a new Waitrose store. The blocks will be 24 storeys, 19 storeys and 10 storeys high.

Construction is expected to begin between January and March 2025, with completion expected by the end of 2028.

Katherine Russell, BTR director of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We are delighted that the elected members have agreed with the recommendations of their planning officers and after receiving significant support from the people of Bromley. This now gives us the opportunity to improve the local area, create vital new homes for local Bromley residents and deliver a state-of-the-art Waitrose that is at the heart of the community. “