Issue

Affordable Housing

593 stories · discussed at 649 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 13

  1. Clapham Junction Flower Stall Retention Approved for Two Years Despite Objections Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved the temporary retention of a popular flower stall at Clapham Junction Railway Station for a further two years. Wandsworth 18 September 2026
  2. New Flats Approved for Battersea Park Road Building Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved plans to add a new floor of accommodation to Newcombe House on Battersea Park Road, creating two new... Wandsworth 18 September 2026
  3. Islington Council Projects £2.2m Overspend Driven by Children's Services Pressures Islington Council is facing a projected £2.2 million overspend by the end of the financial year, a net figure after corporate savings have offset departmental deficits. Islington 18 September 2026
  4. Southwark Housing Allocations Scheme overhauled Southwark Council has approved a significant overhaul of its Housing Allocations Scheme, aiming to simplify the process, enhance clarity for applicants, and ensure a fairer... Southwark 17 September 2026
  5. Enfield Council Debates Street Cleaning and Fly-Tipping Amidst Criticism Enfield Council's recent full council meeting saw a heated debate on the state of street cleaning and fly-tipping across the borough. Opposition councillors criticised the... Enfield 17 September 2026
  6. Enfield Council Debates Street Cleaning Standards Amidst Accusations of Neglect Enfield Council faced sharp criticism over street cleaning standards during a council meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Opposition councillors accused the current... Enfield 17 September 2026
  7. £2.34m fund to ensure Beddington Farmlands delivery Sutton Council has secured a £2.34 million fund to ensure the long-awaited restoration of Beddington Farmlands can proceed, following a planning committee decision to approve a... Sutton 17 September 2026
  8. Sutton Housing Partnership Advances Building Safety Act Compliance with New Plan and Resources Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) is making significant strides in its compliance with the Building Safety Act, a critical focus for the organization. During a Housing, Economy... Sutton 17 September 2026