Issue

Affordable Housing

593 stories · discussed at 648 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are currently debating the provision of affordable housing in new developments, with some approving 100% affordable schemes while others grant permission despite its absence.

Councils are currently making decisions on the provision of affordable housing, with some approving schemes that include it and others granting permission despite its absence. In October 2026, Barking and Dagenham Council approved plans for 300 100% affordable homes on Green Belt land. Conversely, Kensington and Chelsea Council granted planning permission for 27 residential flats in October 2026 despite objections from residents and ward councillors regarding the absence of affordable housing contributions. Richmond upon Thames Council also approved a conversion project in October 2026, despite concerns about affordable housing provision.

The topic of affordable housing, which refers to housing made available at a cost accessible to people with low to moderate incomes, is scheduled for further discussion. Waltham Forest Council's Inclusive Growth and Housing Scrutiny Committee is set to discuss its housing resident engagement strategy on October 15, 2026. Havering Council's Planning Committee will consider new residential developments on October 15, 2026, and Hackney's Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission will meet on October 19, 2026.

Key facts

  1. Kensington and Chelsea Council approved 27 flats in October 2026 despite the absence of affordable housing. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
  2. Barking and Dagenham Council approved 300 100% affordable homes in October 2026. Source 1 Source 2
  3. Richmond upon Thames Council approved a conversion in October 2026 despite affordability concerns. Source
  4. Brent Council committed to 19 affordable one-bedroom homes in October 2026. Source
  5. Lambeth Council adopted a housing plan in October 2026 identifying 13 development sites. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 69

  1. Seething Wells Future Uncertain Amid Development Pressure Kingston upon Thames faces an uncertain future for its historic Seething Wells Filter Beds, as development pressures mount on the privately-owned site. The landowners are... Kingston upon Thames 22 September 2025
  2. Merton Council to Employ Affordable Housing Officer to Increase Affordable Housing in New Developments Merton Council is set to employ an Affordable Housing Officer to maximise opportunities for increasing affordable housing in new developments, aiming to consistently meet a 50%... Merton 21 September 2025
  3. Huguenot House Redevelopment Approved Despite Resident Concerns Westminster Council has approved the redevelopment of Huguenot House, despite concerns raised by residents about the impact of the project. The decision was made during a... Westminster 19 September 2025
  4. Lewisham HRA Budget Boosts Housing Repairs by £6.2 Million Lewisham Council has significantly increased its Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for housing repairs by £6.2 million, aiming to transform its services and address a... Lewisham 19 September 2025
  5. Barking Investment Partnership Eyes 1,500+ New Homes Barking and Dagenham Council is intensifying its focus on housing development, with the Barking Investment Partnership Delivery Strategy set to deliver over 1,500 new homes... Barking and Dagenham 17 September 2025
  6. Debate Over Fate of Historic Altamira Villa Debate has ignited over the future of the historic Altamira villa in Brent, as the council considers its role in the redevelopment of the 1 Morland Gardens site. The council is... Brent 16 September 2025
  7. Brent Council Faces £15M Overspend on Temporary Accommodation Due to Rising Homelessness and Lack of Affordable Housing Brent Council is facing a significant financial challenge, with a £15.4 million overspend on temporary accommodation projected for the 2024/25 financial year. This substantially... Brent 16 September 2025
  8. Upton and Raynham Road Development Scheme Approved Enfield Council has approved a project to construct 135 affordable homes in the Upton and Raynham Road area. The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting on 10 September 2025[^1],... Enfield 16 September 2025