Plans to extend the Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush and build more than 1,300 homes have been approved by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

The development will be anchored by a John Lewis department store and also includes restaurants and cafes, office space and a new leisure complex. It is expected that the expansion will create around 6,700 permanent new jobs.

Developer, Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd will also build 1,347 homes as part of the scheme, with 162 of these homes being affordable homes, 40% of which will be social rented. This number could increase subject to viability assessments.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: "Kickstarting widespread social and economic regeneration. This expansion will create thousands of much-needed new homes and jobs and ensure that the area remains one of West London's leading shopping destinations for many years to come."

The 230,000 sq ft John Lewis store will operate over four floors, creating approximately 600 new jobs.

Tim Harrison, head of format development at John Lewis, said: "This is very positive news. We look forward to bringing our offer closer to customers in West London. We will continue to work closely with Westfield during the next design stage and towards delivery of the shop
for 2017."