John Lewis will build only half the affordable homes initially planned at one of its housing developments after failing to secure a London grant, it has revealed as it awaits a crunch council meeting.
The partnership confirmed that just 30 of the properties at its new 353-flat development in Bromley, south-east London, will be offered at affordable rents of not more than 80pc the market average.
It means John Lewis expects to fall short of its initial target to make 20pc of the homes at the project affordable. Last year, the partnership told local people that it “strongly desires to provide as much affordable housing as viably possible and, therefore, proposes to deliver 20pc affordable housing”, adding that this was subject to discussions with the council and Greater London Authority.
John Lewis always intended for between 10 and 20pc of homes to be affordable. The higher figure would have required grant funding which was not secured.
It had once hoped to boost this proportion to 35pc, the level recommended by Bromley council for new developments. It warned the final figure would be dependent on grant funding, however.
However, it is understood that John Lewis has not secured public funding for the scheme.
Julie Ireland, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Bromley, said it was “disappointing that in the face of a housing crisis in [the area] – as there is across the country – John Lewis have decided that of the 353 total units only 8pc should be affordable”.
She added: “Our community needs and wants more housing and the Waitrose site is a good site to build flats, but John Lewis are following their own agenda for maximum profit without listening to or taking into account the views and needs of the people of Bromley.”
Bromley Liberal Democrats have opposed the scheme from its outset. Council planning officials are expected to meet in the coming weeks to make a final decision, although timelines could be pushed back.
A spokesman for John Lewis said: “We are committed to providing as much affordable housing as we possibly can, whilst balancing the commercial viability of our proposals to help meet the housing needs of Bromley.”
It comes as John Lewis battles to get the green light for another of its housing developments.