John Lewis has been permitted to transform its Waitrose site in Bromley into a new residential community of 353 rental homes as well as a modernised store.
The London Borough of Bromley agreed with the recommendation of its planning officers to give a resolution to grant consent for the application, which had received 147 letters of support from locals.
The department store company insisted local residents would be prioritised for the new “build to rent” homes, which it will develop, own and manage.
The community is set to include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, with options for long-term tenancies to be offered to residents. The homes will also feature shared areas for fitness, home-working and socialising.
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The business, which launched an appeal to speed up its housing planning decision in West Ealing last month, claimed the investment would see the local economy boosted by an estimated £70m in additional council tax and local spend over the next ten years once the houses are occupied.
John Lewis’ plans also feature new public green spaces, a cafe and amenity spaces for local community groups and schools, as well as cycle and pedestrian links through the site linking it to the high street and surrounding area.
John Lewis Partnership’s director of BTR Katherine Russell said: “We’re delighted that the elected members have agreed with the recommendations of their planning officials and after receiving significant support from the residents of Bromley.
“This now gives us the opportunity to enhance the local area, create vital new housing for the local people of Bromley and deliver a state-of-the-art Waitrose, which sits at the heart of the community.”
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