John Lewis' new housing scheme at risk

The John Lewis Partnership's new housing scheme is at risk after local councillors vowed to oppose the project, according to The Telegraph.

The partnership's upcoming housing development in Bromley has been branded as “just not acceptable” by the head of the authority’s Liberal Democrats, who accused it of failing to promise enough affordable homes.

John Lewis submitted a planning application for the scheme last month, with the intention of building new 353 homes in Bromley.

Kitted out with John Lewis furniture, the flats would be built next to a new flagship Waitrose and cafe, along with features like a roof garden, co-working spaces and a communal gym.

It marks the next stage in the partnership’s plans to build around 1,000 “build-to-rent” homes in West Ealing and Bromley in London, and Reading.

At the time, the partnership said the scheme will help to address the UK housing crisis and rising demand for rental properties, at a time when private landlords are leaving the market.

However, the news outlet revealed that John Lewis risked missing affordable home targets at the scheme.

In a local meeting, the partnership warned that as few as a fifth of homes will be affordable at the site in Bromley, below the 35pc level recommended by the town’s council.

John Lewis said it was still aiming to hit 35pc, but needed grant funding to do so and was in talks with the Greater London Authority and the council.

Julie Ireland, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Bromley Town, told The Telegraph: "John Lewis should be able to fund this from within their own resources."

“We were quite excited when we heard John Lewis was going to invest in Bromley, but they’re not looking out for the community... It’s showing a total lack of respect.

"People would not be happy thinking that their council tax money is being used to subsidise this new project from John Lewis.”

She added that the Liberal Democrat councillors, who represent the ward within Bromley where the scheme would take place, will be opposing the plans in their current form.