John Lewis Partnership and Abrdn PLC (LSE:ABDN) have submitted the first planning applications for build-to-rent sites above two Waitrose stores in London, despite local criticism over the small share of affordable housing.
The first applications are for blocks of flats in West Ealing and Bromley, as the retailer looks to diversify its revenues.
The west London development will contain 428 new homes, while there will be 353 at the southern site.
Tall towers of 24 storeys in Bromley and 20 in Ealing remain in the plans, but the company relented to pressure over the height of a secondary tower in Bromley after local consultation sessions, cutting it from a planned 14 floors to 12.
How the West Ealing site is expected to look (Photo: JLP)
But the heights of the towers at Ealing remained unchanged, despite the local council having accused the company of trying to “bully through a scheme” that is too tall. Council leaders also bemoaned that the plans have not come with a commitment over the level of affordable housing.
John Lewis only said it has an "ambition" for 35% of the properties to be affordable housing with a "focus" on providing homes for key workers.
Plans to convert a vacant warehouse to housing in Reading will be "brought forward" later this year, the company said.