Issue

Affordable Housing

597 stories · discussed at 646 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are currently deciding on affordable housing provision in new developments, with some approving 100% affordable schemes and others facing objections over its absence.

In October 2026, Barking and Dagenham Council's Planning Committee approved a development at Crowlands Golf Centre that will deliver 300 residential units as 100% affordable housing, split between social and key worker living rent. Meanwhile, Kensington and Chelsea Council's Planning Committee approved a development at 2-14 Telford Road despite resident objections over the absence of affordable housing contributions. Richmond upon Thames Council also granted retrospective planning permission for Kingston Bridge House, despite concerns about affordable housing provision.

The provision of housing that is affordable to people with low to moderate incomes remains a key focus for councils. The Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission at Hackney Council is scheduled to meet on October 19, 2026, and the Planning Applications Committee at Kensington and Chelsea Council will meet on October 20, 2026, where affordable housing matters may be discussed.

Key facts

  1. Barking and Dagenham Council approved 300 affordable homes at Crowlands Golf Centre in October 2026. Source 1 Source 2
  2. The Crowlands Golf Centre development will be 100% affordable housing, with 56% for social rent and 44% for key worker living rent. Source
  3. Kensington and Chelsea Council's Planning Committee approved a development at 2-14 Telford Road in October 2026 despite objections over the absence of affordable housing. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
  4. Richmond upon Thames Council granted retrospective planning permission for Kingston Bridge House in October 2026 despite concerns about affordable housing provision. 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 16 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 33

  1. Hampton Water Treatment Works to become 36 new homes Richmond upon Thames Council's Planning Committee has approved plans to convert the historic Hampton Water Treatment Works into 36 new homes and flexible business space. The... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  2. Hyde Estate Road development to add 227 homes Barnet Council's Planning Committee has unanimously approved plans to increase the number of homes at the Hyde Estate Road development by 227, bringing the total to 1,564... Barnet 17 July 2026
  3. Lambeth Council to Increase Social Rent Housing Lambeth Council is set to significantly increase its provision of social rent housing as part of a broader strategy to tackle the borough's housing crisis. The Housing Scrutiny... Lambeth 17 July 2026
  4. Barking and Dagenham Council Approves Plans for Three New Children's Homes to Reduce Costs and Improve Care Barking and Dagenham Council has approved plans to build three new children's homes, providing 17 new placements, as part of a strategy to reduce reliance on expensive external... Barking and Dagenham 16 July 2026
  5. Barking and Dagenham Council Adopts 'A Better B&D' Transformation Plan Barking and Dagenham Council has officially adopted its A Better B&D transformation plan, a comprehensive strategy designed to reshape council services and improve resident... Barking and Dagenham 16 July 2026
  6. Tower Hamlets Council Approves £143 Million for 3,000 New Homes Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has approved a significant investment of over £143 million to fund the development of more than 3,000 new homes across the borough. Tower Hamlets 16 July 2026
  7. Tower Hamlets Council Launches Legal Challenge Against Mayor of London's Reduced Affordable Housing Targets Tower Hamlets Council has launched a legal challenge against the Mayor of London's decision to reduce affordable housing targets. Tower Hamlets 16 July 2026
  8. New Idea Store and One Stop Shop for Bethnal Green Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has approved plans for a new Idea Store and One Stop Shop in Bethnal Green as part of the Mayor's Accelerated Housing Programme (MAHP). Tower Hamlets 16 July 2026