Waitrose’s owner has been given the go ahead for a huge redevelopment of its West Ealing site despite bitter opposition from many local residents.
The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) won approval for the scheme when a government planning inspector upheld the company’s appeal over a delayed planning decision.
The current Waitrose supermarket, one of the biggest in London, will be demolished and replaced by a mixed use development including 428 rental homes – including 83 designated for affordable rent – a new public square, commercial space, a community facility and a modernised store.
The development includes four towers, of 19, 17, 15 and 10 storeys, which have enraged some local campaigners. They said they were too tall for the area and would overshadow local homes.
The site is just 350 metres from West Ealing’s Elizabeth Line station.
The planning appeal was lodged last summer on grounds of ‘non-determination.’ The inspector concluded that JLP’s proposal aligned with the government’s housing goals.
In December last year, ministers updated the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to give “substantial weight” to using brownfield land within urban areas.
Labour has also backed new housing near commuter hubs to drive economic growth.
But a public consultation in 2023 revealed that 96% of local residents opposed the scheme.
The consultation had 653 responses to it of which 630 objected and only 16 were in favour.
Opposition has been led by the Stop the Towers group, which argued that the development was “outrageously oversized” and “will destroy West Ealing.”
But Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent at JLP, welcomed the decision.
She 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.”
She added: “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.”
The project is funded by a £500m joint venture between JLP and the Aberdeen Group. Svitlana Gubriy, head of indirect real assets at Aberdeen, said: “We are incredibly excited about the future of the build-to-rent sector, which is undergoing a transformative shift.
“With the fundamentals of demand and supply supporting steady cash flows and sustaining long-term value of the sector, the focus is increasingly shifting on fostering community engagement and addressing local needs.”
She added: “What’s becoming increasingly important is social value with investors dedicating their efforts to develop residential projects that are not only financially successful but also cater to the needs of future generations. The recent developments in Ealing serve as a testament to this pivotal trend.”
