Tower Hamlets Council debated the potential impact of the government's reduced affordable housing target at a meeting on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. The council's local plan currently proposes a 40% affordable housing commitment, but councillors fear this could be undermined by new government measures.
Councillor Kabir Ahmed proposed the administration motion, expressing concerns about the government's Measure 2, which introduces an 'accelerated route' for developments with only a 20% affordable housing commitment.
The motion highlighted the potential consequences of the government's approach, suggesting it prioritises corporate profits over the right to decent, affordable housing for residents. The council resolved to urge both the government and the Mayor of London to reconsider their decision, offering advice based on Tower Hamlets' experiences. Specifically, the council resolved To offer advice to GLA and MHCLG and share the expertise of TH council that has been successful in the making sure that developers can increase the supply of affordable housing while finding projects in the borough profitable for business.
The 9.1a Local Plan Submission to the Secretary of State document, which outlines a strategic vision for growth across the borough, including policies on housing, the environment, design, employment, town centres, community infrastructure, biodiversity, connectivity, and waste management, was also discussed at the meeting.
The plan aims to deliver at least 52,095 new homes and includes policies to support and manage the delivery of office, education, and employment floorspace, as well as key social infrastructure.
The report notes that the plan has undergone extensive consultation and is supported by a comprehensive evidence base.
An addendum to the report noted a statement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Mayor of London regarding temporary measures and support related to housing delivery. A consultation period was expected to launch in November, with a further addendum to the report to follow, outlining any implications for the draft local plan.
During the meeting, Councillor Ohid Ahmed voiced worries about the new local plan, particularly regarding the construction of more tall blocks and dense housing, which he feared could alter the borough's character and displace residents. He also expressed concern over the lack of a specific social housing target within the plan. The local plan aims to keep residents in their communities by delivering genuine social and affordable housing. This includes designing developments that work for families with a mix of unit sizes and creative use of height and density to reduce the social and economic impact of overcrowding. Communities must stay together, supported by affordable council services embedded within developments.
Councillor Peter Gold raised concerns about the definition of affordable housing
and social housing,
highlighting the importance of viability assessments. He also cautioned against building primarily high-rise blocks, noting that families often prefer homes closer to the ground.
Despite these concerns, other councillors voiced their support for the local plan. Councillor Shafi Ahmed emphasised the plan's environmental benefits, including its commitment to net-zero carbon buildings and sustainable drainage systems. The local plan also prioritizes biodiversity and access to nature, strengthening protections for green and blue spaces, ensuring new developments deliver high-quality inclusive play areas, and promoting urban greening and food-growing opportunities. These policies will enhance biodiversity beyond the national minimum, creating a borough where nature thrives alongside development. The plan also explores opportunities for waste transfer by water, reducing reliance on road transport and supporting the circular economy.
Councillor Iqbal Hussain highlighted the plan's focus on community and inclusivity.
Ultimately, the council voted to submit the local plan to the Secretary of State for examination. The Agenda frontsheet 19th-Nov-2025 19.00 Council provides a comprehensive overview of the meeting's agenda and related documents.
