Politics & Policy
New Affordable Housing Plan Approved by Lambeth Council
A newly approved scheme will add over 300 affordable homes to the borough, aiming to tackle housing inequality across South London.
22 May 2025 at 10:38
By Staff Report
Lambeth Council has approved an ambitious plan to deliver more than 300 affordable homes across the borough, with a key focus on sites near the Southbank. The project, approved unanimously in a recent council meeting, is being heralded as a significant step toward tackling London's housing shortage.
The homes will be developed on council-owned land and aim to prioritise families currently on waiting lists. A mix of one, two, and three-bedroom flats will be spread across three separate developments, all within walking distance of transport hubs and local amenities.
Councillor Joanne Griffiths, Cabinet Member for Housing, said the move represents 'a turning point in our commitment to equity and sustainability'. Speaking after the vote, she emphasised that the homes would be built to energy-efficient standards and maintained under long-term social tenancy agreements.
Residents living near the proposed sites were initially sceptical about potential overdevelopment, but recent consultations appear to have eased concerns. Adjustments to building height, green space integration, and community service access were made based on public feedback.
The developments will feature shared gardens, bike storage facilities, and rooftop solar panels. A portion of the flats will also be designated for key workers, including NHS staff, teachers, and emergency responders. Priority will be given to those already living or working in the borough.
Construction is set to begin in early 2026, pending planning permissions and procurement processes. The council is partnering with two London-based firms known for ethical development practices and low-carbon construction methods. An emphasis will be placed on using local labour and sustainable materials.
Some opposition councillors raised questions about long-term maintenance funding and the council’s capacity to manage new tenants. However, the Cabinet responded that new revenue streams from planned commercial units on the ground floor of the buildings would help fund upkeep.
Lambeth’s housing team has also pledged to introduce on-site community liaison officers who will work with new residents to ensure integration into the surrounding neighbourhoods. These officers will address concerns quickly and serve as a link between the council and tenants.
The approval comes amidst growing frustration over skyrocketing rents and stagnant wages in South London. Many working families find themselves priced out of both the private rental market and home ownership, despite steady employment and roots in the area.
Local housing charities welcomed the plan, calling it a rare win in an environment often dominated by luxury flats and unaffordable new builds. They urged other boroughs to follow suit, using existing land assets to address the housing crisis from within.
Transport for London has committed to upgrading bus routes and adding cycle docking stations near the new sites to reduce car dependency. Accessibility has been factored into the designs, with lifts, step-free access, and visual signage planned throughout.
The initiative marks one of the borough’s largest affordable housing efforts in a decade and could become a model for how to leverage council-owned land for social good. For Lambeth’s residents on housing lists, hope may finally be in sight.