John Lewis wins approval for Ealing store and housing redevelopment

The John Lewis Partnership has won a planning appeal opening the way to redeveloment of its Waitrose West Ealing store in London and the associated construction of new housing.

A government planning inspector confirmed the plans have been given the green light following an appeal by the retailer submitted last summer.

The retailer originally applied to overhaul the store and car park in 2023, and said the redevelopment will ”create 428 much needed homes, including 83 affordable rented homes, as well as a modernised store with parking”.

The scheme is part of the Partnership’s strategy to build revenue and profit streams beyind its core retail operations. The government meanwhile is keen for more homes to be built to address the challenge of affordable housing and to contribute to economic growth.

According to the Partnership: ”The West Ealing scheme will contribute to the local infrastructure and services. Once complete, the new residential community will also boost the local economy, and a new public square, community facility and commercial space are designed to help bring together residents with the surrounding community. ”

John Lewis Partnership director of build-to-rent Katherine Russell said: “We’re pleased that the inspector has found in favour of the multi-million-pound investment that will create vital new housing and a modernised Waitrose store to serve a community we have been part of for decades.

”The decision underpins a clear policy commitment to supporting brownfield development close to key transport hubs. We will continue to work closely with local people to bring forward the development responsibly and ensure it delivers long-term benefits, both to residents and the wider community as a whole.”