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 20

  1. New children's home for looked-after kids approved Hounslow Council's Cabinet has approved plans for a new six-bed children's home designed to support looked-after children with complex mental health needs, emotional and/or... Hounslow 9 September 2026
  2. Sutton's Carers Strategy sees significant progress Sutton's Joint Carers Strategy has seen significant progress over the past year, with key achievements including the establishment of the Carers Partnership Board (CPB) and... Sutton 9 September 2026
  3. Sutton GP Access Improves: 94% Secure Routine Appointments Within Two Weeks Sutton residents are experiencing improved access to routine GP appointments, with 94% now able to secure an appointment within two weeks. This figure, presented at the Health... Sutton 9 September 2026
  4. Vauxhall Square: Tallest building to be 69 storeys Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for the Vauxhall Square development, which will feature the tallest building in the scheme at 69 storeys. Lambeth 9 September 2026
  5. Lambeth's Vauxhall Square plan: 1,097 homes, but only 25% affordable Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for the redevelopment of Vauxhall Square, a significant mixed-use development that will deliver 1,097 new... Lambeth 9 September 2026
  6. Surbiton committee defers controversial housing plan Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee has deferred a controversial housing plan for 42 Guilford Avenue, Surbiton, to allow for further information to be gathered. The decision was... Kingston upon Thames 9 September 2026
  7. Community flat converted to affordable housing Hackney Council's Planning Sub-Committee has granted planning permission for the conversion of a community flat into a much-needed affordable housing unit. The decision, made... Hackney 7 September 2026
  8. Hackney Council Grants Temporary Sauna Permission for Climbing Centre Amid Resident Objections Hackney Council's Planning Sub-Committee has granted temporary planning permission for a 16-person sauna to be installed at The Castle Climbing Centre. The decision, made at a... Hackney 7 September 2026