Housing measures to boost London housebuilding spark backlash

The government has announced emergency measures to tackle London’s housing crisis.

Under the measures, sites will now qualify for a fast-track planning route if they deliver 20% affordable housing, down from the previous 35% target.

The City Hall Conservatives say these measures are “a damning indictment of the Mayor of London’s record on housing”.

Mayor will gain expanded powers

Under the measures, the government will provide time-limited support for housebuilders to improve the viability of housing schemes and speed up approvals across all boroughs.

This includes removing targeted Greater London Authority (GLA) guidance that can limit density and has been holding back development on land already earmarked for housing, which the government says will allow more homes to be built on ready-to-go sites.

The government has also announced that the Mayor of London will gain expanded powers to take direct control of housing schemes at risk of being blocked.

Coming into force in May, the Mayor will be able to call in and review planning applications for 50 homes or more where the borough is minded to refuse.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Building more social and affordable homes is a top priority and I’m taking the tough decisions to get these much-needed homes built, including working closely with government to finalise this temporary emergency package which will unlock stalled sites across London.

“We’ve listened closely to the views of housebuilders, housing associations, councils and Londoners and the bold new measures respond to many of their concerns, ensuring we prioritise getting as many affordable homes built as possible and address the unique challenges London is facing.

“I make no apology for wanting to see more action to deliver new homes and will continue to work with government to accelerate housebuilding, tackling the building safety regulator backlog and supporting new schemes as we build a fairer and better capital for all.”

Mayor has failed to do the job

Despite the government’s plans, government data reveals less than 4,500 social and affordable homes started construction in the capital last year.

City Hall Conservatives Housing spokesperson Lord Bailey told Property118 that Mr Khan has failed to tackle London’s housing crisis.

He said: “This announcement is a damning indictment of the Mayor of London’s record on housing. After ten years in office, and after repeated promises to Londoners, Sadiq Khan has still failed to deliver the homes this city desperately needs.

“Of course, we want these homes built. Londoners need them urgently. Families are trapped in unsuitable housing, young people are locked out of home ownership, and key workers are being priced out of the capital altogether. But the reason this intervention is happening at all is because the Mayor has failed to do the job.”

The news comes as Mr Khan unveiled plans for a £400,000 fund to help London’s renters challenge landlords and better understand their rights when the Renters’ Rights Act takes effect on 1 May.