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 22

  1. Tower Hamlets Council Approves Nine New Homes at Theatre Building Despite Objector 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 create nine... Tower Hamlets 2 September 2026
  2. Tower Hamlets Council Approves £622k Affordable Housing Payment for Theatre Building Development Tower Hamlets Council's Development Committee has approved a £622,337.34 payment towards affordable housing as part of a planning application for a two-storey roof extension at... Tower Hamlets 2 September 2026
  3. Islington Council Recovers £5.9 Million in Prevented Tenancy Fraud Losses Islington Council has recovered over £5.9 million in prevented fraud loss through its Housing Investigations Team (HIT) in the 2025-2026 financial year, the Homes and... Islington 2 September 2026
  4. Fields Cafe granted alcohol licence despite public concerns Fields Cafe has been granted a licence to sell alcohol, following a meeting of the Lewisham Licensing Sub Committee D on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. The committee resolved to... Lewisham 27 August 2026
  5. Wandsworth Council Approves New Mixed-Use Development on Beechcroft Road with Eight Homes and Community Space Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for a new mixed-use development on Beechcroft Road, SW17, which will provide eight new homes and a... Wandsworth 21 August 2026
  6. Petts Wood extension refused by council A proposed side and rear extension at 1 Ryecroft Road, Petts Wood, Orpington, has been refused planning permission by Bromley Council's Plans Sub-Committee No. 1. Bromley 19 August 2026
  7. Sutton Council to launch new social housing provider Sutton Council is set to establish a new not-for-profit social housing provider as part of its strategy to increase the supply of affordable homes in the borough. Sutton 15 August 2026
  8. Surface access worries in Heathrow expansion response Richmond Council has formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), citing significant concerns over surface access, noise, air... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026