Westminster City Council is calling for developers to deliver 50% affordable housing on all estate regeneration schemes in the central London borough.
The new benchmark for on-site affordable housing delivery was set in the council’s latest revisions to its City Plan.
It says: “On estate regeneration schemes we will maximise the amount of affordable housing, seeking to deliver 50% affordable housing on public land where viable.”
The policy replaces a previous requirement of 35% affordable housing, following consultation with the mayor of London.
It also said 60% of affordable homes should be intermediate housing.
The council said any proposals requiring the demolition of affordable homes will need to replace these homes or will not be permitted. All major developments will be expected to provide 35% of new homes as affordable homes.
Westminster is currently seeking a development partner for its £350m estate renewal at Ebury Bridge (pictured). The 750-home regeneration includes 50% affordable housing, with reprovision for the estate’s 229 residents.
The council has a goal to deliver 1,850 new affordable homes by 2023 and a total of 22,000 new homes by 2040.
Westminster City Council deputy leader Richard Beddoe said: “Following extensive consultation and discussions over many months, we’re confident our draft City Plan strikes a balance between conservation and the need to support more housing and jobs in the heart of the capital.
“It will help cement our position as one of the world’s best and most exciting places to live, work and visit.”
The revised City Plan will be debated at the council meeting on 13 November. The plan will then be submitted to the secretary of state and will be subject to an examination in public.
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