A property developer has struck a deal to provide jobs for the community on the London living wage.

Lend Lease, who are developing St John Bosco College, in Surrey Lane, Battersea, signed a compact pledging they will work alongside their neighbours.

A meeting took place last week between the Surrey Lane People's Organisation (SLPO) and Lend Lease regarding the new development.

The SLPO, a group made up of residents' associations, churches and community leaders from Battersea, are hoping it could allow the group to strike similar deals with Nine Elms developers.

It was agreed Lend Lease will ensure all employees are paid at least £8.55 an hour and work towards a goal of 50 per cent new jobs.

Apprenticeships will be given to at least five people from the Surrey Lane estate, while members of the SLPO will be granted access to the school's facilities.

The new catholic school, which is currently located in Princes Way, Southfields, was formed in 20122 through the amalgamation of the Salesian College and John Paul II School.

Carol Scott, chairman of SLPO, said: "The SLPO has not been established a year yet and already we have been able to cement an agreement with a multi-billion pound development company to the benefit of our estate. 

"This proves that dialogue and negotiation work and that change is possible."

Michelle Richards, an SLPO leader, said: "Tonight we have secured an historic agreement on access to community space and local jobs.

"Never before has an estate like ours negotiated deals with multi-billion pound companies for local jobs." 

A decision on the planning application will be decided by Wandsworth Council at a later date.