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 8

  1. Sutton's SEND Services Face Priority Action Sutton's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services are set to receive priority action following a critical review by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Sutton 26 September 2026
  2. New micro hotel approved for Scarbrook Road Croydon's Planning Committee has approved an outline application for a new micro hotel on Scarbrook Road, which will provide up to 20 rooms. Croydon 26 September 2026
  3. Whitgift Centre redevelopment plans unveiled Plans for a major redevelopment of Croydon's Whitgift Centre and surrounding areas have been unveiled, promising a significant transformation of the town centre. Croydon 26 September 2026
  4. Council invests in local care for children with complex needs Newham Council is set to invest in local care for children with complex needs by developing two new children's homes within the borough. The decision, approved by Laura Eden,... Newham 26 September 2026
  5. Wandsworth Council to Introduce Lane Rental Scheme for Roadworks to Reduce Disruption Wandsworth Council is preparing to introduce a lane rental scheme for roadworks, a move designed to cut down on disruption and boost efficiency. The proposal, which was a key... Wandsworth 26 September 2026
  6. Sunlight loss to Deptford houseboats cited in refusal Lewisham Council's Strategic Planning Committee has refused planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Lewisham College site at 1 Deptford Bridge, citing... Lewisham 25 September 2026
  7. Rising Sun Hotel to be restored and extended Harrow Council's Planning Committee has unanimously approved plans to restore and extend the locally listed Rising Sun Hotel on Greenford Road. The decision, made on Wednesday,... Harrow 25 September 2026
  8. Hillingdon Council Votes to Close Tavistock Road Civic Amenity Site Despite Opposition A motion to halt the closure of the Tavistock Road Civic Amenity Site in Yiewsley has been lost by Hillingdon Council, with the proposal defeated by 30 votes to 19 at a Council... Hillingdon 25 September 2026