Issue

Affordable Housing

593 stories · discussed at 647 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 6

  1. Southwark Council Approves Bermondsey Place Redevelopment with Over 1,000 New Homes Southwark Council Approves Bermondsey Place Redevelopment with Over 1,000 New Homes Southwark 7 October 2026
  2. Affordable housing slashed in Bermondsey Place development Southwark Council's Planning Committee A has approved a major redevelopment of Bermondsey Place, granting permission for 1,060 new homes but significantly reducing the provision... Southwark 7 October 2026
  3. Southwark Council's Lower Road Project faces scrutiny over funding, consultation, and design changes Southwark Council's Lower Road Project faces scrutiny over funding, consultation, and design changes Southwark 7 October 2026
  4. Tower Hamlets housing committee plans 2026-27 scrutiny Tower Hamlets housing committee reviews 2026-27 scrutiny plans and hears updates on housing quality and repairs performance. Tower Hamlets 6 October 2026
  5. Tower Hamlets housing investment: £609m plan faces repair challenges Tower Hamlets council commits £609 million to housing upgrades over the next decade, but faces persistent challenges with repair backlogs and resident satisfaction. Tower Hamlets 6 October 2026
  6. Newham councillors debate community neighbourhood leadership Newham councillors have voted to change the future of community neighbourhood leadership, opting for greater democratic representation and local accountability. Newham 6 October 2026
  7. Wandsworth Council's £663m Housing Plan: Borrowing Rises Amidst Rent Policy Shift Wandsworth Council's £663m Housing Plan: Borrowing Rises Amidst Rent Policy Shift and Stock Condition Concerns Wandsworth 2 October 2026
  8. Harrow Council Votes to Oppose Draft London Plan Over Green Belt Concerns Harrow Council Votes to Oppose Draft London Plan Over Green Belt Concerns Harrow 2 October 2026