Lambeth Council
Lambeth Council is addressing a projected £9.3 million overspend while approving new housing developments and making licensing decisions.
Lambeth Council is currently addressing a projected £9.3 million overspend for the first quarter of 2026/27, attributed partly to increased costs for temporary accommodation, as reported to the Cabinet in September 2026. This comes as the council is reportedly intended to re-let converted Houses of Multiple Occupation on St James' Estate as temporary accommodation, a situation raised at a Southwark Council Assembly in September 2026.
In September 2026, the council's Cabinet approved the Site Allocations Development Plan Document, aiming for 830 new homes. The Planning Applications Committee also approved developments in September 2026, including 69 additional homes at Wyvil Road with enhanced affordable housing, 46 new social rent homes, and a co-living development on Clapham Road with 134 rooms. Plans for 1,097 homes at Vauxhall Square were approved in September 2026, with 25% affordable housing.
The council's Licensing Sub-Committee made several decisions in September 2026, granting a licence for an Amazon distribution hub despite resident objections and a late licence for Clapham bar Mimosa with conditions. However, a licence for Arch 600B Ferndale Road was refused in August 2026 due to concerns over public nuisance and safety. Separately, councillors expressed concern in September 2026 over the withdrawal of funding for Kennington Skate Park.
Key facts
- 182 households on St James' Estate are being displaced as their homes are sold and intended to be re-let to Lambeth Council as temporary accommodation. Source
- Lambeth Council is facing a projected £9.3 million overspend in its first quarter financial performance for 2026/27. Source
- Lambeth Council's Cabinet approved the Site Allocations Development Plan Document (SADPD) in September 2026, paving the way for approximately 830 new homes. Source
- The Planning Applications Committee approved a development in September 2026 that will add 69 homes to Wyvil Road, bringing the total to 347 homes. Source
- A co-living development at 68-86 Clapham Road was approved in September 2026, providing 134 co-living rooms and four self-contained homes. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.