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 23

  1. Council questions economic case for Heathrow growth Richmond upon Thames Council has formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), citing significant concerns over the economic case,... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  2. Richmond Council objects to Heathrow expansion Richmond Council has formally objected to the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport, citing significant concerns over noise, air quality, climate change, economic viability,... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  3. Broadwater Farm repairs cost rises to £10m The cost of essential repairs at Broadwater Farm estate has soared to £10 million, with the completion date now pushed back to April 2027. The significant increase in... Haringey 14 August 2026
  4. Lewisham Council Approves New Homes Despite Height and Scale Concerns Lewisham Council's Planning Committee B has approved plans for a new five-storey residential development at 27 Longton Avenue, SE26, despite concerns raised about its height and... Lewisham 13 August 2026
  5. Newham approves major road safety and cycle scheme Newham Council has approved a significant road safety and cycling scheme for Romford Road at its junction with Woodgrange Road and Upton Lane. The decision, made by Rebecca... Newham 12 August 2026
  6. Haringey buys 21 new council homes in Wood Green Haringey Council has acquired 21 new council homes in Wood Green, bolstering its commitment to increasing housing stock and providing affordable homes for residents in need. Haringey 11 August 2026
  7. Wembley Centre Redevelopment Approved After Deadlock Vote, Granting Permission for 108 New Homes Brent Council's Planning Committee has approved the redevelopment of the former Wembley Centre for Health & Care site, granting planning permission for 108 new homes. The... Brent 7 August 2026
  8. Brent Council Approves Wembley Centre Redevelopment with 108 New Homes, Including Affordable Units Brent Council's Planning Committee has approved plans for the redevelopment of the former Wembley Centre for Health & Care site, paving the way for 108 new homes, including 11... Brent 7 August 2026