Council growth plan aims for 10,000 homes over next decade

Lambeth has delivered 500 homes already on land it owns since 2017. The council said: “We are committed to making the best use of our existing land assets to deliver much-needed affordable housing. 

“We recognise that we must adopt a strategic and adaptable approach, leverage innovative funding models, optimise land use and strengthen partnerships to sustain momentum.”

The strategy document sets out the council’s plans to progress with schemes delivering more than 200 total homes for social rent at three sites in the borough in the next year.

In the next 12 months, the authority will also create a “strong housing pipeline of affordable homes”, including unlocking small sites and potentially car parks for homes, as well as reviewing its local plan and confirming a delivery route for an estate regeneration.

Longer term, the council aims to renew the borough’s older housing estates, including the Westbury Estate, where more than 700 homes are planned, and Somerleyton Road, which is set for 350 new homes, of which more than half will be affordable.

Outside of building on its own land, the authority plans to lobby for more funding from the mayor, create strong partnerships with private sector groups and registered providers, and explore new kinds of funding and delivery models for affordable housing.

It will also carry out “robust” viability negotiations to boost affordable homes via Section 106 agreements. 

The news comes as figures show the London mayor is less than a third of the way towards meeting its affordable housing starts target despite having just a year left of its Affordable Homes Programme.

Last year, Lambeth Council gave the go-ahead to a housing programme aiming to build 500 new homes by 2030 and started searching for a development partner for 450 homes in January. 

As well as housing, the local authority’s new growth plan focuses on commercial centres, economic growth sectors, education and skills. It was approved by councillors at a meeting earlier this month. 

Claire Holland, leader of the council, said: “Lambeth is a great place to do business – with a strategic central London location, high-growth sectors like creative industries, health and life sciences, and clean tech, a skilled and diverse workforce, and real scope for development.  

“We are also a strong and ambitious partner – with a visionary planning department, expert development teams and a clear, long-term mission for the borough.

“This plan is a signal of intent to investors, education institutions, developers, employers and all levels of government who want to help shape Lambeth’s future.”