The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has won approval to redevelop its Waitrose site in West Ealing, despite strong local opposition, after a government planning inspector upheld the company’s appeal over a delayed planning decision.
The scheme will see the current supermarket and car park transformed into a mixed-use development comprising 428 rental homes – including 83 designated for affordable rent – a new public square, commercial space, a community facility and a modernised Waitrose store. The site, just 350 metres from West Ealing’s Elizabeth Line station, is one of Waitrose’s largest London locations.
The planning appeal, lodged in summer 2024 on grounds of ‘non-determination’, was successful after the inspector concluded that the proposal aligned with the government’s housing goals.
In December 2024, ministers updated the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to give “substantial weight” to using brownfield land within urban areas. A separate push in January 2025 backed new housing near commuter hubs to support economic growth.
However, the development has not been without controversy. A public consultation conducted in 2023 revealed that 96% of local residents opposed the plans, citing concerns about overdevelopment, impact on infrastructure, and the scale of the scheme. The consultation had 653 responses to it of which 630 objected and only 16 were in favour.
Campaigners Stop The Towers (STT) and locals voiced their anger over the development which includes four buildings – 19 storey, 17 storey, 15 story and 10 storey as well as a number of mews homes built around them.
The campaigners had urged the council and developers to reconsider, arguing the project was too large for the area and would negatively affect the character of West Ealing.
In a letter to Ealing Council and to its leader Councillor Peter Mason, STT highlighted at the time a number of concerns about the proposal.
It said: “You were very clear (tweet dated 27th February 2023) that Ealing Council would not be bullied by JLP into accepting buildings higher than stipulated in the local plan. You also made a pre-election promise to clamp down on towers in the borough.
“JLP’s planning application includes buildings considerably taller than Ealing Council’s site-specific guidance of 7-13 storeys. JLP’s plans exceed this guidance by over a third.
“Can you now reassure the many concerned local residents and supporters of Stop the Towers that Ealing Council will not be entertaining any application for the West Ealing Waitrose site.
“The JLP application includes the demolition of the current Waitrose building, which is less than 18 years old. This is contrary to Ealing Council’s recently announced policy on sustainability, which favours refurbishing existing buildings over redevelopment. Please reassure us that you are going to stand up for this policy also.”
Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent at JLP, welcomed the outcome: “We’re pleased that the Inspector has found in favour of the multi-million-pound investment that will create vital new housing and a modernised Waitrose store to serve a community we have been part of for decades.”
Ms Russell added: “The decision underpins a clear policy commitment to supporting brownfield development close to key transport hubs. We will continue to work closely with local people to bring forward the development responsibly and ensure it delivers long-term benefits, both to residents and the wider community as a whole.”
Backing the project is a £500m joint venture between JLP and the Aberdeen Group. Svitlana Gubriy, head of indirect real assets at Aberdeen, said: “We are incredibly excited about the future of the build-to-rent sector, which is undergoing a transformative shift. With the fundamentals of demand and supply supporting steady cash flows and sustaining long-term value of the sector, the focus is increasingly shifting on fostering community engagement and addressing local needs.”
She added: “What’s becoming increasingly important is social value with investors dedicating their efforts to develop residential projects that are not only financially successful but also cater to the needs of future generations. The recent developments in Ealing serve as a testament to this pivotal trend.”
 plans to redevelop its Waitrose West Ealing store with towers has seen 96% of those responding to it object to the plans.){kind=link}