Hackney forces Mayor of London concession on affordable housing cuts
Plans to let developers reduce the proportion of affordable homes in new projects in Hackney have been scaled back
Mayor of London plans to slash the number of affordable homes in new developments in Hackney have been scaled back in the wake of a legal challenge led by the Mayor of Hackney.
Last month Hackney joined Tower Hamlets and Lewisham Councils in launching a Judicial Review against plans to let developers reduce the proportion of affordable homes in new projects in London from 35% to as little as 20%.
In a partial u-turn announced yesterday, that 20% rate will be scrapped in 2028 and each London borough given individual affordable housing quotas – with Hackney’s set to return to 35%.
"In Hackney, this announcement is good news for every family trapped in unsuitable temporary housing, every household waiting years for a genuinely affordable home, and every private renter living in insecure accommodation.
“But it still leaves a two year period where the Mayor of London will give the green light for developers in Hackney to cut back on affordable homes – while in other boroughs they are let off the hook indefinitely.
“We’re pleased the Mayor has listened, but will keep the pressure on and continue the fight for affordable housing in London.”
Zoë Garbett, Mayor of Hackney