John Lewis approved to build 430 homes in Ealing despite opposition

The John Lewis Partnership has received approval for its largest build-to-rent project in Ealing, west London, overcoming objections from local residents and the council. The government planning inspector has granted permission for the development of 430 homes in towers up to 20 storeys tall, located above a Waitrose supermarket in the borough. This decision was made despite the council’s guidelines recommending a maximum height of 13 storeys in the area.

Local community groups and Ealing Council had raised significant concerns regarding the scheme, particularly its height and the lack of affordable housing provision. The council had set a target for 35 per cent of new homes in such projects to meet affordable housing criteria, which campaigners argued the proposal failed to achieve. Yet, the planning inspector highlighted the pressing demand for new homes in London, describing it as “colossal”.

The project comes as part of John Lewis’s ongoing efforts to diversify beyond its traditional retail operations. Years earlier, Dame Sharon White, the group’s former chair, had announced ambitions for 40 per cent of annual profits to come from non-retail ventures by 2030. Although that specific target has since been abandoned, the strategic focus on diversifying income streams remains intact under the leadership of Jason Tarry, formerly of Tesco.

Opposition to John Lewis’s move into residential property has not been limited to Ealing. Its Bromley project in southeast London, which involves plans for 353 homes, also sparked controversy. Critics argued it lacked adequate affordable housing for key workers. Despite this, Bromley Council granted conditional planning permission in 2024, making it the group’s first official foray into the rental housing market.

The Ealing scheme represents a multimillion-pound investment aimed at creating much-needed housing alongside a modernised Waitrose supermarket. Katherine Russell, the director of build-to-rent at John Lewis Partnership, commented on the development: “We are pleased that the inspector has supported this vital project. It will provide homes and revitalise a community that we have been part of for decades.”

The UK government has set a target of building 1.5 million new homes within five years, fostering an environment where large-scale residential developments on brownfield sites are being actively encouraged. According to the planning inspector, this Ealing project aligns with these national housing priorities and represents a tangible contribution towards alleviating the city’s housing crisis.