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 25

  1. Croydon Council Consolidates Services at Cavendish House Croydon Council is set to consolidate several key customer-facing services into a single 'Front Door' reception at Cavendish House, located at 51-55 South End. The decision,... Croydon 2 August 2026
  2. Mitcham Development Approved Despite Heritage Concerns, Offering 249 Social Homes Merton Council's Development and Planning Applications Committee has approved a significant mixed-use development at 1-12 Majestic Way, Mitcham, despite concerns raised about... Merton 1 August 2026
  3. Merton Council Approves 'Car-Lite' Mitcham Development with 249 Social Homes Merton Council's Development and Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for a significant mixed-use development at 1-12 Majestic Way, Mitcham. The project, which... Merton 1 August 2026
  4. New Mitcham development to include 1,308 sqm commercial space A new mixed-use development at 1-12 Majestic Way in Mitcham, featuring 1,308 square meters of commercial space and 249 social rented homes, has been approved by Merton Council's... Merton 1 August 2026
  5. Mitcham Town Centre Regeneration Fund to Receive £60,000 from New Housing Development Merton Council's Development and Planning Applications Committee has approved a £60,000 contribution towards the regeneration of Mitcham Town Centre as part of a major new... Merton 1 August 2026
  6. Richmond Council Adopts New Private Rented Sector Offer Policy to Reduce Homelessness and Costs Richmond Council has adopted a new Private Rented Sector Offer Policy aimed at improving choices for individuals facing homelessness and reducing the council's expenditure on... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  7. Richmond Council to support tenants in private rented sector Richmond Council is set to implement a new policy aimed at supporting tenants in the private rented sector, with the goal of improving choices for those facing homelessness and... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  8. Landlord checks to be enhanced under new Richmond policy Richmond Council has adopted a new Private Rented Sector Offer Policy, aiming to enhance landlord checks and provide more settled accommodation options for individuals facing... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026