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Khan overrules council to approve scheme after affordable increase
London mayor Sadiq Khan has approved proposals for a new high-rise development in Wandsworth against the council’s will after an increase in the scheme’s proportion of affordable housing.
Wandsworth Council’s cross-party planning committee unanimously rejected the development over its height and proximity to a conservation area in April, with 1,072 local residents submitting written objections.
But Mr Khan used his planning powers to call in the scheme and has given it the green light after the developer agreed to boost the amount of affordable housing included to 35%.
The National Grid UK Pension Scheme, which hopes to deliver three buildings between eight and 17 storeys on the site of a former Homebase store, had previously planned to include 23% affordable housing in the 348-home scheme.
Under Mr Khan’s planning guidance, plans can be “fast-tracked” if they meet a 35% affordable threshold for private developments.
This was the fourth time the mayor has used his call-in powers.
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“I’ve made it clear I am committed to increasing the delivery of genuinely affordable housing in London, especially given the pitiful legacy I inherited, and I will use my full range of planning powers to achieve this,” said Mr Khan.
“I’m also really pleased we have secured a review mechanism which could increase the level of affordable housing further – and that people who live and work in the area will benefit from a significant upgrade to Wandsworth Town Station.”
The developer has agreed to bring forward the delivery of the affordable homes, with 55% to be developed as part of the first construction phase, and if it fails to develop the scheme fast enough after four years, the level of affordable housing could increase to up to 50%.
It will also contribute £2.5m towards upgrades to Wandsworth Town station.
Andrew Boff, housing spokesperson for the Greater London Authority Conservatives, said: “While Mr Khan is claiming a victory for social housing, in reality he is falling short once more on his own promises.
“The mayor should both respect local communities and fulfil his commitment on ratios of social housing, yet he has done neither.”
