John Lewis risks missing affordable housing target in flagship development

Dame Sharon says fighting inequality and sustainable lifestyles are the retailer's main goals. Photo: Jason Alden/Bloomberg Finance

In a letter Shortly after she became John Lewis Chair in 2020, Dame Sharon said: “We are exploring the concept of new affordable mixed-use housing with third parties.”

< p>She added that John Lewis is “all about the purpose,” saying: “Clients and partners have told us that our purpose must be modern, relevant and inspiring – while staying true to our core principles. The themes of combating inequality, well-being and sustainable living will be at the heart of it.”

Affordable homes are classified as properties that will sell on the rental market for no more than 80% of the average local market. rent. John Lewis said housing was likely to be provided to the area's key workers with family incomes of less than £60,000.

He told residents that at least 20% of the homes would be affordable — less than Bromley City Council is aiming for new developments, with officials saying the new projects of more than 11 properties should either make 35% of the homes affordable or provide funding for affordable homes elsewhere. .

Local Bromley Plan, which includes a 35% threshold, is used by planners to make decisions on projects.

Developers may receive approval for projects with lower levels of affordable housing, although they must be able to provide evidence that they provide the maximum level of affordable housing with a financial viability analysis. John Lewis has yet to make a formal planning application for Bromley after a series of consultations with people living nearby.

John Lewis said he is still negotiating with the council and the Greater London Authority «regarding several factors, mainly the availability of an infrastructure grant», suggesting that he is seeking public funding to achieve the council's goal.< /p>

This is understood as the desire to achieve this level. In its papers to residents, it states: «The John Lewis Partnership is a socially responsible business and is strongly committed to providing as much affordable housing as possible… John Lewis will continue to work with the council and the GLA to explore all available maximum affordable housing options up to 35%.»

He also intends to apply for planning a second project in West Ealing, where he is still advising residents.
Earlier this year, Peter Mason, Ealing council leader, criticized John Lewis for not committing to rent out 35% of affordable housing in West Ealing. He tweeted: «Ealing needs really affordable housing first and foremost other types of housing.»

John Lewis said at the time that it was «continuing our conversation with the council and local residents in helping shape our plans.» Speaking to The Times, Chris Harris, real estate director for John Lewis, said there is «always a bit of strife» in upscale developments.

It was revealed last week that Mr. Harris is stepping down as John Lewis in November, and the partnership said he has played an «important role in preparing us for future success.»

By 2030, John Lewis has said it wants to generate 40% of its profits from outside retail. This includes plans to build 10,000 homes over the next decade, many of which will be built on reclaimed John Lewis sites.