One of the sites set for the John Lewis Partnership’s foray into the private rented sector has been submitted for planning to the London Borough of Bromley.
The Applicant, John Lewis Partnership BTR Ltd proposes the demolition of the existing branch of the premium retailer at 45 Masons Hill with a residential lead scheme of 353 homes for private rent.
The applicant has appointed Assael Architecture to produce design and access proposals for the site.
It is proposed that the Build to Rent residential development will consist of 353 units in the form of a Northern Building (24 storeys), and a Southern Building (19 storeys with a step down to 12 storeys) linked by a 10-storey building.
The proposed scheme is situated within 200 meters of Bromley South railway station, linking the town to Victoria and Blackfriars within 30 minutes.
The Proposed Development will be predominantly car-free, with the exception of 10 Blue Badge parking spaces for the residential element and 140 parking spaces for Waitrose customers (plus 2 click and collect).
The application would deliver a total of 353 high-quality homes, which would contribute over half of Bromley’s annual housing target of 641 homes per annum, as set out in the currently adopted Local Plan. This significant contribution is especially important in the wake of Bromley’s recent housing delivery, having not met their housing target in recent years and the inability to demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply.
The applicant claims to be a “socially responsible business and strongly desires to provide as much affordable housing as viably possible”.
The application proposes to deliver up to 20% Affordable Housing (by habitable room) subject to ongoing discussions with the Council and GLA in respect of several factors including the availability of housing and infrastructure grant subsidies. Notwithstanding this, it is proposed that the scheme will always provide a minimum of 10% Affordable Housing (by habitable room) regardless of these factors.
It is proposed that demolition and construction works for the Proposed Development will be undertaken from Q1 2025 to Q4 2028.
Elsewhere within the vicinity of Bromley town centre, the local council lodged proposals for 73 homes to replace an 83-space council car park adjacent to Bromley North railway station in May.