The inspector ruled in favour of the 428-home build-to-rent scheme after Ealing Council failed to make a decision on the application submitted two years ago.

The £240m project will see the existing store demolished and replaced with a mixed-use development featuring towers of 10 to 19 storeys, alongside a new supermarket, 83 affordable homes, commercial space, a public square and community facility.

Contractor Ardmore has been involved as an adviser for the demolition and construction of the four-year project. The professional team includes structural engineering Waterman, building services engineer Cundall and cost consultant Aecom.

The scheme has been designed by architect Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands

The West Ealing site sits just 350m from an Elizabeth Line station and is one of the biggest Waitrose stores in London.

Despite backing from government policy promoting brownfield housing near transport hubs, the scheme triggered strong backlash from residents.

A public consultation revealed 96% of responses objected, with campaign group Stop the Towers calling the plans “outrageously oversized.”

But the inspector ruled the plans aligned with the updated National Planning Policy Framework, which gives “substantial weight” to using brownfield land within settlements for housing.

Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent at JLP, said: “We’re pleased the Inspector has found in favour of the multi-million-pound investment that will create vital new housing and a modernised Waitrose store to serve a community we’ve been part of for decades.”

The scheme is being delivered as part of JLP’s strategy to unlock value from its estate through build-to-rent development.

The retailer has partnered with Aberdeen Group in a £500m joint venture to deliver housing schemes across the UK.