In response to an acute shortage of genuinely affordable homes, Wandsworth Council is progressing its ambition to increase the number of homes for social rent from future housing developments.
The Council is launching a review of the Local Plan. This legal document sets out its long-term planning policy that looks to developers to deliver more secure and affordable homes for local people. As part of the review, local people will also be asked for views – part of the council’s commitment to being a listening council.
Historically, in Wandsworth, property developers have only had to provide 35 per cent of affordable homes when they built in the borough. We want to increase this to 50 per cent of new homes as affordable, with a greater number of those being for social rent.
These proposed new policies will apply to all property developments in the borough, not just large developments.
Simon Hogg, leader of the council, said:
“A decent, genuinely affordable place to call home is the foundation of a good life. Sadly, the cost of housing is a serious burden for too many households. For too long, Wandsworth Council’s priority has been on expensive homes which are out of reach for local residents. We want to change this – residents’ needs and their views will be at the heart of our considerations. The council’s top priority is the delivery of genuinely affordable homes for local families.
Aydin Dikerdem, the cabinet member for housing, said:
“We are already building 1,000 new council homes on our own land through our Homes for Wandsworth plan – and introducing landlord licensing to protect renters. Now we are seeking to ensure property developers contribute towards our vision of a fairer borough for all.”
“Thousands of children in Wandsworth grow up in temporary accommodation, and that is why we are urgently seeking social rented homes that give them security for the long-term.”
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