John Lewis was accused of trying to «intimidate this scheme» against the wishes of local residents. Photo: SEKKI SMITH
John Lewis has been accused of 'ignoring' local residents over plans to build hundreds of rental homes in high-rise buildings.
Locals in London's Ealing borough have launched a 'Stop the Towers' campaign, To block John Lewis' efforts, he will replace the Waitrose supermarket with 20-story residential towers.
The retailer is pushing ahead with its plans despite growing opposition as chairman Dame Sharon White wants properties to boost falling profits. could not review and respond to them.
They said it was a «deliberate attempt» to avoid scrutiny.
In an email to supporters, the campaign team said: «This behavior was not expected from the seemingly family-friendly [John Lewis].
«The plans presented now ignore both public feedback on the height of the towers, as well as the explicit ignoring democratically implemented facility-specific height guidelines.»
Denise Colliver and Justin Sullivan, co-chairs of the Stop the Towers group, said the company's «arrogance» was «breathtaking.»
Residents wrote to Peter Mason, Labor leader of Ealing Council, protesting the plans and asking for more time to respond to proposals.
In February, Mason accused John Lewis of trying to «push this scheme» and called into question the planned height of the buildings and the level of affordable housing.
In proposals submitted to the council, John Lewis pledged to provide «a minimum of 20 percent of affordable housing.»
This despite the fact that the company said in June it wanted to «deliver 35 percent of affordable housing» in its planned of properties for rent.
The company previously reported an average of just 11.4% of new homes classified as affordable in England.
The spokesman said the plan would allow «much needed homes in the area» to be built amid the UK's housing crisis, «allowing better use of the supermarket and car park.»
John Lewis, which is owned by an employee company, is currently time plans to build 800 homes in West Ealing and Bromley, with further intentions to build 10,000 homes in the next decade.
The Telegraph reported in July that its flagship scheme in Bromley has also faced local outrage.
Local Liberal Democrat councilors said the affordable housing plans were «simply unacceptable» and accused the retailer of «disrespect.»
John Lewis previously held public consultations on the issue. their plans for the area. The retailer said: «This is an ongoing process in which we are working closely with a range of stakeholders and will continue to do so while the application is being considered.»
«Plans have been sent to Ealing and local authorities will now review the application in accordance with all relevant scheduling rules.»
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