John Lewis Partnerships to make West Ealing BTR planning appeal

The John Lewis Partnership is to launch a planning appeal to reach a decision on its application to redevelop Waitrose West Ealing and build hundreds of much-needed new homes.

The appeal is based on an “indeterminacy”, meaning the application, which was submitted almost a year ago and is still being examined by Ealing Council, will now be looked at by a planning inspector.

We strongly believe in the far-reaching benefits of creating vital new housing and community space in West Ealing, while continuing to invest in our commercial property. And we are confident that an appeal will grant permission and we will continue to work closely with the Council and the local community to deliver a range of social and charitable initiatives if the plans go ahead.

The proposals, located just 350 meters from West Ealing Crossrail station, comprise 428 homes, including 83 affordable rented homes, which over the next decade will generate more than £8 million in council tax revenue and boost the local economy with around £45m a year in extra spending. Common areas for fitness, work and socializing, providing over 36,500 square meters of green space, will help bring residents together with the surrounding community.

We have evolved our plans extensively through careful community engagement and are committed to refining our proposals against the backdrop of clear political support for brownfield development, urban greening and regeneration close to transport links.

The plans address a critical national shortage of rented housing, which has become increasingly acute in London. Thousands of private landlords have exited the buy-to-let market as the delivery of new homes has fallen. Many younger tenants are forced to move back in with their parents.

We are also fully committed to delivering the maximum number of affordable homes as is commercially viable, targeting key local workers – an important part of our Build to Rent plans.

All homes will have 24/7 on-site management by JLP, feature John Lewis furnishings and meet the highest energy efficiency standards. Hot air from fridges taken from a new, upgraded Waitrose store will help heat water in homes to further reduce bills.

The scale of development follows the policy set out in the Mayor’s London Plan, which promotes “the identification of suitable sites for higher density mixed-use residential intensification, capitalizing on the availability of services within walking and cycling distance and the current and future provision of public transport, including, for example, comprehensive. the redevelopment of low-density supermarket sites”.

“We have taken the decision to appeal the indeterminacy of our planning application to build new rental homes almost a year after it was first submitted to Ealing Council. Our proposals will create hundreds of homes at a time when all political parties agree there is a desperate need for more housing and local investment to boost economic growth, with a priority on brownfield land.

“An appeal is not something we take lightly, however we believe we have strong grounds to be successful given the opportunity to transform an under-used brownfield site close to the publicly funded Crossrail station into new homes and investments that will benefit the wider population. community.”

Katherine Russell, Director, Build to Rent, JLP

John Lewis Partnership agrees a £500m multi-decade joint venture with global investment company abrdn to deliver around 1,000 new build-to-rent homes in three local communities – in Bromley and West Ealing in Greater London and Reading.

“We remain fully committed to our strategy to create thousands of critically needed quality rental homes alongside the John Lewis Partnership and look forward to the outcome of the ongoing legal process in West Ealing.”

James Dunne, head of operational real estate, abrdn