Plans for 300 flats above south London Waitrose could still go ahead

"Wednesday's announcement could have seen the 353-home proposal scrapped, but the housing project that will transform Bromley town centre could still go ahead. The LDRS understands that John Lewis is finalising the details of the planning consent with Bromley Council, and it is exploring options to sell the planning consent to another developer who could deliver the homes."

"On Wednesday, John Lewis Partnership announced it was withdrawing from its build to rent property business, citing higher interest rates, inflationary pressures and a more cautious property market. The employee-owned business which operates John Lewis and Waitrose has chosen to focus investment on its two core retail brands instead."

"In July 2024, Bromley Council approved John Lewis' plans to build 353 homes above the Masons Hill Waitrose in Bromley town centre. The plans were contentious, with some welcoming the influx of much-needed new housing into the borough while others criticised the height and scale of the large residential development which would be 24 storeys at its highest point."

John Lewis Partnership announced its withdrawal from the build-to-rent property business, citing higher interest rates, inflationary pressures, and a cautious property market. This decision affects approved plans for 353 homes above Masons Hill Waitrose in Bromley town centre, which was approved by Bromley Council in July 2024. The 24-storey residential development had generated mixed reactions regarding its height and scale. Rather than abandoning the project, John Lewis plans to sell the planning consent to another developer capable of delivering the homes. The company is finalizing details with Bromley Council and exploring developer options. Local Liberal Democrats view this as potentially positive, though they anticipate any significant scheme changes would require a new planning application.

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