The John Lewis Partnership has received the go ahead to transform its Waitrose site in Bromley into a new residential community of 353 energy efficient rental homes and a modernised store.

The London borough agreed with the recommendation of its planning officers to give a resolution to grant consent for the application, which had received 147 letters of support from local residents, exceeding those who opposed the proposal.

Local people will be prioritised for the new ‘build to rent’ homes, which will be developed, owned and managed by the John Lewis Partnership – which is the parent company of high street retailer John Lewis and upmarket grocer Waitrose.

According to the partnership, the investment will see the local economy boosted by an estimated £70m in extra council tax and local spend over the first 10 years, once homes are occupied.

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Plans also feature new public green spaces, a cafe and amenity spaces for local community groups and schools to use, as well as cycle and pedestrian links through the site, linking it to the High Street and surrounding area.

The homes will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, and long-term tenancies will be offered.

John Lewis Partnership director of BTR Katherine Russell said: “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.

“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. ”