West Ealing housing approved – Build to Rent

A few years ago, we announced our move into rental homes market as part of our plan to create a family of businesses that complement each other.

We have a sizeable property portfolio in locations where lots of people live and work with great transport links and local amenities.

By delivering homes in some of these locations we will generate new income streams that, in the long-term, will support investment back into our retail businesses, as well as helping to alleviate some of the growing pressures on the UK’s housing market.

West Ealing housing plans approved after successful appeal

We’re pleased to say we’ve recently been successful in our planning appeal to redevelop Waitrose West Ealing and build hundreds of much-needed new homes.

A government planning inspector confirmed the plans had been given the go ahead after we submitted an appeal in summer 2024 on the grounds of a ‘non-determination’.

The planning inspector’s decision follows the government’s commitment to build 1.5 million more homes in the next five years and its new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published in December, giving “substantial weight to the value of using suitable brownfield land within settlements for homes”.

In January, the government revealed new plans to deliver more houses on untapped land near commuter train stations to kick start economic growth.

The application to transform the existing Waitrose store and car park, which is located just 350 metres from the West Ealing Crossrail station, was made in summer 2023. As our second largest store in London, the shop serves a large area. The plans will create 428 much-needed homes, including 83 affordable rented homes, as well as a modernised store with parking.

The West Ealing scheme will contribute to the local infrastructure and services. Once complete, the new residential community will also boost the local economy; and a new public square, community facility and commercial space are designed to help bring together residents with the surrounding community.