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 21

  1. Barnet Council brings IT services back in-house Barnet Council has decided to bring its IT End User and Managed Infrastructure services back in-house, effective from October 1, 2026. The decision follows the abandonment of a... Barnet 5 September 2026
  2. IT contract failure leads to staff transfer Barnet Council is bringing its IT End User and Managed Infrastructure services back in-house following the collapse of a new IT contract procurement process. The decision, made... Barnet 5 September 2026
  3. Councillor questions IT bidder's cost hike Barnet Council has decided to bring its IT End User and Managed Infrastructure services back in-house after a procurement process for a new contract was abandoned. The decision,... Barnet 5 September 2026
  4. Bexley approves HMO conversions despite parking fears Bexley Council's Planning Committee has approved six residential development applications, including several changes of use to Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), despite... Bexley 4 September 2026
  5. Focus on quality and location for Redbridge supported homes Redbridge Council is developing a new Supported Housing Strategy to ensure residents have access to high-quality homes and personalised support, with a statutory deadline for... Redbridge 4 September 2026
  6. Avenue Park improvements receive £416k boost Avenue Park is set to undergo significant improvements thanks to a substantial funding boost of £416,759. The funding, drawn from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the... Hounslow 4 September 2026
  7. Stanmore office block to become four new flats Harrow Council's Planning Committee has unanimously approved plans to convert the first and second floors of an office block at 51-53 Broadway, Stanmore, into four new... Harrow 3 September 2026
  8. Tower Hamlets Council Approves Roof Extension Adding Nine Homes Despite Affordable Housing and Waste Concerns Tower Hamlets Council's Development Committee has granted planning permission for a two-storey roof extension to the Theatre Building at 1 Paton Close, which will add nine new... Tower Hamlets 2 September 2026