John Lewis Partnership has expressed intent to appeal due to a lack of decision by Ealing Council regarding their redevelopment plans in West Ealing.
- The planning application, submitted on 30 June 2023, involves constructing 428 homes, with 83 designated as affordable rental properties.
- The appeal follows a year of indecision from the council and forms part of John Lewis’s broader strategy to diversify into non-retail income.
- Planned construction aims to commence in 2025 and conclude by 2029, promising significant local investment and development.
- John Lewis seeks to build 10,000 homes within a decade, aligned with broader economic growth and urban regeneration objectives.
John Lewis Partnership is taking proactive steps to expedite the decision-making process on their planning application for a pivotal West Ealing project. The planning appeal follows a year-long wait for Ealing Council to act on their application to develop 428 homes, among which 83 homes are earmarked as affordable rentals, above the West Ealing Waitrose.
This development initiative is an integral element of John Lewis Partnership’s ambitious strategy to construct 10,000 residential units over the next ten years, significantly shifting the company’s focus towards non-retail revenue sources. The organisation’s build-to-rent director, Katherine Russell, highlighted the importance of the proposed dwellings at a time when housing shortages are a pressing concern, suggesting that such projects could foster economic growth and effectively utilise brownfield land.
Russell noted, “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 with new homes and investment that will benefit the wider community.” The decision to pursue this appeal underscores the urgency and necessity perceived by John Lewis in advancing their housing initiatives.
The redevelopment is also a component of a £500 million joint venture with investment firm Abrdn, targeting various redevelopment projects, including sites above Waitrose stores and other properties across Greater London. This effort is further driven by strategic leadership as underlined by Dame Sharon White’s vision for generating 40% of profits from sectors outside of retail by 2030. Her announced successor, Jason Tarry, is expected to continue this trajectory.
By focusing on such ventures, John Lewis aims to align its business goals with broader societal needs, addressing urban housing deficits while diversifying its income streams.
The appeal process signifies John Lewis’s commitment to its long-term strategic goals amid planning delays.
