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 70

  1. Waltham Forest faces £31.4M budget overspend Waltham Forest is grappling with a significant budget overspend of £31.4 million, according to a recent report presented to the Budget Scrutiny Committee. Like many other local... Waltham Forest 8 September 2025
  2. CarePort project to improve health services in Thames Freeport Barking and Dagenham Council is set to enhance healthcare services in the Thames Freeport area through the CarePort project, a three-borough initiative aimed at improving the... Barking and Dagenham 20 August 2025
  3. Wood Green Creative Workspace Faces Funding Shift, Delayed to 2026 Haringey Council has announced a shift in funding strategy for the Wood Green affordable creative workspace, delaying its opening to September 2026. The project aims to support... Haringey 17 August 2025
  4. Hackbridge Residents Object to Pergola Planning Application Hackbridge residents had previously voiced their objections to a planning application for the retention of a pergola at 19 Calico Avenue. The Sutton Council Planning Committee... Sutton 10 August 2025
  5. Mitcham Gasworks Development Approved with Fewer Homes, More Family Units and Updated Energy Strategy Merton Council's Development and Planning Applications Committee has approved a revised plan for the Mitcham Gasworks Site, prioritising family homes and increasing carbon... Merton 4 August 2025
  6. Fanshaw Street Garage to Become Flats After Planning Approval Hackney Council's Planning Sub-Committee has approved plans to convert a Fanshaw Street garage into residential flats, adding to the borough's housing stock. Hackney 3 August 2025
  7. Barking & Dagenham Review Officer Powers, Delegation Scheme Barking and Dagenham Council has undertaken a comprehensive review of its constitution, including officer powers and the delegation scheme, to enhance service performance and... Barking and Dagenham 3 August 2025
  8. Student Housing, Industrial Space Planned for Kennington Lane Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for student housing and industrial space at 6-12 Kennington Lane. The decision, made at a meeting on... Lambeth 2 August 2025