Popular supermarket is building 353 flats in London — but only 10% are affordable

From sky-high prices to challenging landlords, it’s a truth universally acknowledged that navigating the rental market can be notoriously difficult.

Now, one popular retailer has been given the green light to build 353 new homes for rent in South London, with hopes to prioritise local people in the process.

The John Lewis Partnership is set to transform a site in Bromley – which is currently a Waitrose supermarket – into a sprawling block of flats.

The store will continue to operate, too, so if you end up renting one of these and need to pop down to the shops, there’s one just on the doorstep.

However, as per reports in TimeOut, just under 10% of the homes will be affordable – with 30 of the rentals pledged as such by John Lewis.

Local people will be prioritised for the ‘build to rent’ homes though, and the organisation has said that the scheme will see the local economy boosted by approximately £70 million over the first 10 years thanks to extra income from council tax and spending from residents.

The proposals also incorporate new public green spaces, a café and community spaces for local groups and schools to use, alongside additional cycling and pedestrian routes linking up with the high street.

While details are currently limited when it comes to what the flats will look like inside, plans note that the flats will be ‘purpose-built for renters,’ featuring shared areas for fitness, home-working and socialising.

There’ll be a choice of size too, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes on offer – all available with long-term tenancy options.

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‘We’re delighted that the elected members have agreed with the recommendations of their planning officials and after receiving significant support from the residents of Bromley,’ said Katherine Russell, the John Lewis Partnership’s Director of BTR.

‘This now gives us the opportunity to enhance the local area, create vital new housing for the local people of Bromley and deliver a state-of-the-art Waitrose, which sits at the heart of the community.’

The John Lewis Partnership isn’t the only retailer to have ventured into the world of property either. In May, Asda announced a development project to create 1,500 new homes as well as a flagship store in Park Royal, near Acton.

The project intends to become the UK’s largest regeneration scheme, referred to as the potential ‘Canary Wharf of West London,’ with initial plans for the superstore seeing it sprawl across a whopping 60,000 square feet.

So, who knows what the future of supermarket-owned property could hold – loyalty card points when you pay your rent, perhaps?

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