However, campaigners complained that less than a tenth of the homes would be classed as ‘affordable’.
This means that the rent for these houses will be fixed at 80% of the market price. The rest of the houses will be rented out at market price.
John Lewis said last year that 35% of homes in its Bromley development would be affordable, in line with targets set by Bromley Council and the London Mayor.
It then pulled out, citing profitability issues.
Local Liberal Democrat councillor Julie Ireland described the number of affordable homes in the development project as “frankly ridiculous”.
Ms Ireland also criticised the height of the John Lewis scheme and said the extra residents would cause road traffic to get worse and clog the rail network.
John Lewis has said it expects the development to raise council tax and “local spending” by £70 million over the first decade.
It said it had received 147 letters in support of the plan, which was more than the number of letters received against it.
Investment firm Aberdeen, which is working with John Lewis on the development, said the housing would be “a cornerstone for the regeneration of the town centre and wider community investment”.
Ultimately, John Lewis and Aberdeen plan to build 1,000 new homes across three sites, including Bromley.
John Lewis first revealed plans to start building homes in 2020 in a bid to diversify its revenue.
Like other traditional retailers, the company has also Faced with shop closures and job cuts Due to the increasing trend of online shopping.
He wants 40% of profits to come from outside the retail business by 2030.
